Lawrence County Disaster Risk
Lawrence County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
53th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#41
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 67% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lawrence County, Kentucky
Lawrence faces moderate national risk
Lawrence County's composite risk score of 53.28 is slightly above the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. This northeastern Appalachian county sits in a zone of moderate hazard exposure.
Above-average risk for Kentucky
Lawrence's score of 53.28 exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it in the higher-risk tier. However, it ranks lower than most neighboring eastern Kentucky counties.
Comparable risk to Johnson County
Lawrence County's flood risk of 73.00 and wildfire risk of 66.95 closely match neighboring Johnson and Pike counties. Tornado risk at 20.48 remains low compared to regional peers.
Floods and wildfires pose main threats
Flood risk at 73.00 and wildfire risk at 66.95 dominate Lawrence County's natural hazard profile. Earthquake risk at 32.89 and tornado risk at 20.48 present comparatively lower concerns.
Prioritize flood and wildfire coverage
Federal flood insurance or a private flood policy is essential for Lawrence County residents, especially near waterways. Add a comprehensive homeowners policy with fire coverage and clear brush around your property to reduce wildfire risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lawrence County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lawrence County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 53th, Lawrence County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Lawrence County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (34th percentile), earthquake (33th percentile), tornado (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 73th percentile nationally, Lawrence County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 67th percentile nationally, means Lawrence County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Registering for Lawrence County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 9.1 points above the Kentucky state average, Lawrence County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Kentucky county.
Is your household prepared for Lawrence County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lawrence County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Lawrence County?
How does Lawrence County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Lawrence County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lawrence 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.