Marion County Disaster Risk
Marion County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
30th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#83
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
40th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marion County, Kentucky
Marion is among Kentucky's lowest-risk counties
Marion County's composite risk score of 30.22 ranks it as 'very low' and places it well below the national average of 50.19. The county's balanced hazard profile—with no single threat dominating—makes it one of Kentucky's safer areas for residents.
Marion ranks among the state's safest
Marion's composite score of 30.22 sits considerably below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it in the lower tier of statewide risk. Its minimal wildfire risk of 11.13 is particularly notable—among the lowest in the state.
Marion is safer than surrounding counties
Marion's score of 30.22 compares favorably to neighboring Madison County (74.84) and Mason County (39.19), offering residents notably lower overall disaster risk. This relative safety extends across most hazard categories except tornadoes, where Marion faces moderate exposure.
Tornadoes and earthquakes warrant attention
Tornadoes (61.90) and earthquakes (60.56) are Marion's primary hazards, though neither reaches the extreme levels seen in nearby Madison County. Flooding at 39.66 rounds out the county's risk profile, making spring weather the season of greatest concern.
Maintain tornado coverage and a safe room
Marion's relatively low overall risk shouldn't breed complacency—tornado risk at 61.90 still requires a functional safe room or basement shelter for protection. Review your homeowner's insurance annually and add flood coverage if you're in a mapped floodplain.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marion County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marion County
Risk Verdict
Marion County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 30th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Marion County's favorable 30th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Marion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 62th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (40th percentile), hurricane (37th percentile), wildfire (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 62th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Marion County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Marion County at the 61th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. For Marion County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Marion County falls 14.0 points below Kentucky's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Marion County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marion County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Marion County?
How does Marion County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Marion County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Marion 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.