Leslie County Disaster Risk
Leslie County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
32th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#78
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
57th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Leslie County, Kentucky
Leslie County's risk is below average
Leslie County's composite risk score of 31.71 falls below both the national average and Kentucky's state average of 44.21, earning a very low risk rating. This means residents face less disaster exposure than typical counties across the United States.
Lower-risk county in Kentucky
Leslie County ranks in the lower-risk tier statewide with a score of 31.71, about 28% below Kentucky's 44.21 average. The county's position reflects manageable hazard exposure compared to higher-risk Eastern Kentucky counties.
Moderate risk compared to region
Leslie County (31.71) sits between Lee County's very low risk (7.51) and Letcher County's higher risk (66.60), making it a middle ground in its region. Letcher County faces significantly more flood and wildfire threat due to its terrain and vegetation.
Wildfire and flood are top concerns
Wildfire risk (62.82) and flood risk (57.09) dominate Leslie County's hazard profile, each scoring above the state average. Earthquake risk (39.69) and hurricane risk (31.50) contribute moderately to overall exposure, while tornado risk remains relatively low at 22.04.
Consider flood and wildfire coverage
Leslie County residents should prioritize flood insurance, as flooding poses the county's second-highest risk at 57.09. Review your homeowners policy's wildfire exclusions, and consider additional coverage if you live in or near forested areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Leslie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Leslie County
Risk Verdict
Leslie County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 32th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. The 32th percentile national ranking is one lens; Leslie County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Leslie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (40th percentile), hurricane (31th percentile), tornado (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Leslie County's primary hazard at the 63th percentile nationally. For Leslie County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. A secondary flood exposure at the 57th percentile nationally means Leslie County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Leslie County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Compared to the Kentucky county average, Leslie County's composite score runs 12.5 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Leslie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Leslie County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Leslie County?
How does Leslie County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Leslie County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Leslie 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.