riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Jessamine County Disaster Risk

Jessamine County, Kentucky

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

40th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#60

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

Very Low

Higher than 7% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 69% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 56% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 40% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Jessamine County, Kentucky

Jessamine ranks among safest counties

Jessamine County's composite risk score of 39.79 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating. This means your county faces significantly lower natural disaster threats than most American counties.

One of Kentucky's lowest-risk counties

With a score of 39.79, Jessamine ranks among the safest counties in Kentucky, where the state average is 44.21. Only a handful of Kentucky counties enjoy comparable protection from natural hazards.

Safer than most nearby counties

Jessamine's 39.79 score significantly outperforms neighboring Fayette and Woodford counties. However, nearby Larue County (12.44) remains the region's lowest-risk option.

Tornadoes pose the main threat

Tornado risk at 69.27 is Jessamine's primary hazard, though still lower than state averages. Earthquake risk (55.66) and flood risk (42.33) round out the county's secondary concerns.

Secure coverage for tornado season

Even in a low-risk county, tornado insurance is essential during severe weather season—most homeowners policies don't cover wind damage. Consider a dedicated endorsement and maintain a family storm plan.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Jessamine County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    69th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    56th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    42th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Jessamine County

Risk Verdict

Jessamine County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 40th percentile nationally. Even at the 40th percentile, Jessamine County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Jessamine County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (42th percentile), hurricane (40th percentile), wildfire (7th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 69th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Jessamine County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Jessamine County at the 56th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. For Jessamine County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.

Regional Context

Jessamine County tracks the Kentucky county average closely, sitting 4.4 composite points below the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Kentucky.

Is your household prepared for Jessamine County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Jessamine County, KY?
Jessamine County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Jessamine County?
Jessamine County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (69th percentile), earthquake (56th percentile), flooding (42th percentile), hurricane (40th percentile), wildfire (7th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 69th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Jessamine County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Jessamine County's composite risk percentile is 40th, compared to the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Jessamine County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Kentucky.
Is Jessamine County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Jessamine County's tornado risk is at the 69th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Jessamine County is at the 42th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Jessamine County a safe place to live?
Jessamine County's composite risk score of 40th percentile is below the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is tornado at the 69th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.