riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Magoffin County Disaster Risk

Magoffin County, Kentucky

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

35th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#72

of 120 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

60th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 60% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Moderate

Higher than 82% 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 41% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 37% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Magoffin County, Kentucky

Magoffin ranks below the national average

Magoffin County's composite risk score of 34.99 places it in the 'very low' category, well below the U.S. average of 50.19. However, wildfire risk stands out at 82.06—a significant outlier that warrants local attention despite the county's overall low hazard profile.

Magoffin is among Kentucky's safest counties

At 34.99, Magoffin's composite score sits well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, making it one of the commonwealth's lower-risk areas. Wildfire is the notable exception, where the county's 82.06 score substantially exceeds state norms.

Magoffin is safer than eastern regional peers

Neighboring Martin County scores 49.94 and Madison County 74.84, both significantly riskier than Magoffin's 34.99. Magoffin's exceptionally low tornado risk of 22.11 contrasts sharply with these neighbors, giving it a more favorable overall hazard profile.

Wildfire dominates Magoffin's risk landscape

Wildfire risk at 82.06 is Magoffin's clear standout hazard, nearly double the state average and among the highest in Kentucky. Flooding presents a secondary concern at 60.50, while tornado (22.11) and hurricane risks remain minimal.

Prioritize wildfire defenses and fuel clearance

Create a defensible space around your home by clearing dead trees, brush, and leaves within 30 feet of structures—critical for counties with wildfire risk above 80. Ensure your homeowner's policy covers wildfire damage, and consider a metal roof and ember-resistant vents to reduce ignition risk.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Magoffin County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    82th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    60th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    41th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Magoffin County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Magoffin County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 35th percentile. Even at the 35th percentile, Magoffin County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Magoffin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (41th percentile), hurricane (37th percentile), tornado (22th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 82th percentile nationally for wildfire, Magoffin County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 60th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Magoffin County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.

Regional Context

Magoffin County is 9.2 composite risk points below the Kentucky state mean, meaning most other Kentucky counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Magoffin County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Magoffin County, KY?
Magoffin County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 35th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Magoffin County?
Magoffin County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (82th percentile), flooding (60th percentile), earthquake (41th percentile), hurricane (37th percentile), tornado (22th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 82th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Magoffin County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Magoffin County's composite risk percentile is 35th, compared to the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Magoffin County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Kentucky.
Is Magoffin County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Magoffin County's wildfire risk is at the 82th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Magoffin County is at the 60th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Magoffin County a safe place to live?
Magoffin County's composite risk score of 35th percentile is below the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 82th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.