Johnson County Disaster Risk
Johnson County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
71th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
85th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Johnson County, Kentucky
Johnson faces moderate national risk
Johnson County's composite risk score of 71.06 places it above the national average, with a "Relatively Low" rating. This indicates moderate exposure to natural hazards compared to most U.S. counties.
High-risk county for Kentucky
Johnson County's score of 71.06 exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it among the higher-risk counties statewide. This elevation in the Appalachian region contributes to increased hazard exposure.
Highest flood risk in eastern cluster
Johnson County's flood risk of 85.21 is substantially higher than neighboring Pike County and Lawrence County. Its wildfire risk of 76.30 also exceeds most peer counties in the region.
Floods and wildfires dominate hazard mix
Flood risk at 85.21 and wildfire risk at 76.30 are Johnson County's critical threats, both driven by terrain and forest coverage. Tornado risk remains low at 30.50, offering relative safety in that hazard category.
Flood insurance is non-negotiable here
Johnson County's elevated flood risk means federal flood insurance or a private flood policy is essential for homes in at-risk zones. Also maintain comprehensive coverage for potential wildfire smoke and ember damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Johnson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Johnson County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Johnson County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 71th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Johnson County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Johnson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (46th percentile), earthquake (43th percentile), tornado (31th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Johnson County's top hazard at the 85th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 76th percentile nationally, means Johnson County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Households across Johnson County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Johnson County is 26.8 composite risk points above the Kentucky average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Johnson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Johnson County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Johnson County?
How does Johnson County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Johnson County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Johnson County higher risk than average?
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.