Knott County Disaster Risk
Knott County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#45
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
73th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Knott County, Kentucky
Knott sits near national average risk
Knott County's composite risk score of 52.10 is slightly above the national average, with a "Relatively Low" rating. Natural disaster exposure is moderate but manageable for this Appalachian county.
Below average for Kentucky counties
Knott's score of 52.10 exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it in the higher-risk tier statewide. However, it ranks lower than several neighboring eastern Kentucky counties.
Wildfire risk exceeds regional peers
Knott County's wildfire risk of 74.11 is notably higher than neighboring Letcher and Harlan counties. Its flood risk of 73.12 similarly exceeds most adjacent counties in the region.
Wildfires and flooding top concerns
Wildfire risk at 74.11 and flood risk at 73.12 are Knott County's primary hazards, both linked to forested terrain and seasonal precipitation. Tornado risk at 19.50 remains relatively low by comparison.
Prepare for fire and water damage
Wildfire risk means clearing brush from your property and using fire-resistant materials for vulnerable structures. Flood insurance is also crucial—pair it with comprehensive homeowners coverage for full protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Knott County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Knott County
Risk Verdict
Knott County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 52th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Knott County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Knott County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (35th percentile), hurricane (35th percentile), tornado (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Knott County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 74th percentile nationally. Knott County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. A secondary flood exposure at the 73th percentile nationally means Knott County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Knott County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
Knott County's composite risk score sits 7.9 points above the Kentucky county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Knott County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Knott County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Knott County?
How does Knott County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Knott County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Knott 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.