Jackson County Disaster Risk
Jackson County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#96
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
42th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jackson County, Kentucky
Jackson County ranks among safest
Jackson County's composite risk score of 24.17 earns a Very Low rating and falls well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. The county ranks in the lower-risk tier nationally for multi-hazard exposure.
Very Low risk across the state
Jackson County's Very Low rating places it solidly in the safer half of Kentucky's 120 counties. The county's overall hazard exposure remains moderate and manageable.
Safer than most peers despite wildfire risk
Jackson County's 24.17 score ranks below Harrison (33.78), Hart (41.13), and Hickman (35.81) counties. However, the county's wildfire risk (79.83) stands out as exceptional among this group and demands attention.
Wildfire risk is distinctly elevated
Wildfire risk reaches 79.83 in Jackson County—far exceeding all peers analyzed here and reflecting the county's mountainous terrain and vegetation patterns. Tornado risk (31.81) and flood risk (42.43) remain moderate concerns.
Prioritize defensible space for wildfire
Jackson County residents, especially those in rural or forest-adjacent areas, should focus on creating defensible space by clearing brush and dead trees from around homes. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire damage, but verify your policy limits and consider if you need additional coverage for high-value properties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jackson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jackson County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Jackson County ranks at the 24th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 24th percentile nationally, Jackson County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Jackson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (39th percentile), earthquake (36th percentile), tornado (32th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Jackson County sits at the 80th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Jackson County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. The county's flood exposure at the 42th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. In Jackson County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 20.0 points below the Kentucky state average, Jackson County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Jackson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jackson County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Jackson County?
How does Jackson County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Jackson County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Jackson County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.