Lee County Disaster Risk
Lee County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
8th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#117
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
21th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lee County, Kentucky
Lee County faces very low disaster risk
Lee County's composite risk score of 7.51 places it well below the national average, making it one of Kentucky's safest counties for natural disasters. This very low rating means residents face minimal exposure to the major hazards that threaten other parts of the country.
Among Kentucky's safest counties
Lee County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Kentucky, with a composite score of 7.51 compared to the state average of 44.21. This 83% lower risk profile reflects the county's geographic position and relatively stable hazard exposure.
Safer than surrounding counties
Lee County's risk score of 7.51 is significantly lower than neighboring Leslie County (31.71) and Letcher County (66.60), making it the safest in its region. This advantage stems largely from lower wildfire, flood, and earthquake exposure compared to nearby counties.
Wildfire and earthquake deserve attention
Wildfire risk (57.79) and earthquake risk (25.29) are Lee County's most elevated hazards, though both remain moderate compared to other counties. Tornado risk at 23.44 and flood risk at 21.15 round out the county's hazard profile, each posing limited but measurable threats.
Standard homeowners coverage suffices
Lee County's low composite risk score means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Review your policy annually to ensure coverage matches your home's replacement value, and consider flood insurance if you live near waterways.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lee County
Risk Verdict
Lee County's overall natural disaster score at the 8th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 8th percentile nationally, Lee 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 Lee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 58th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 26th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (25th percentile), tornado (23th percentile), flood (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 58th percentile nationally, Lee County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Lee County households to have on hand before fire season. Alongside wildfire, hurricane at the 26th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Lee County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Lee County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Lee County's composite risk score sits 36.7 points below the Kentucky county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Lee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lee County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Lee County?
How does Lee County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Lee County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lee 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.