Marshall County Disaster Risk
Marshall County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
62th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
47th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marshall County, Kentucky
Marshall faces above-average disaster exposure
With a composite risk score of 61.93, Marshall County ranks as 'relatively low' but sits above the national average of 50.19. Earthquake risk (92.59) is exceptionally high—among the most significant in the state—making seismic preparedness essential.
Marshall's earthquake risk is statewide standout
Marshall's composite score of 61.93 exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21, driven largely by its extraordinary earthquake risk of 92.59. This seismic vulnerability is one of the highest in Kentucky and demands serious mitigation planning.
Marshall stands out for earthquake threat
While Marshall's composite score of 61.93 is moderate among neighbors, its earthquake risk of 92.59 dramatically exceeds nearby McCracken County's 97.55—both among the state's highest. Marshall's tornado exposure (60.78) is comparable to regional peers but far lower than its seismic risk.
Earthquakes pose the dominant threat here
Earthquake risk at 92.59 is Marshall's defining hazard and among Kentucky's highest, warranting retrofit investments and emergency preparedness that most counties never need. Tornado risk (60.78) and flooding (47.26) are secondary but still significant concerns for the region.
Retrofit now for earthquake resilience
With earthquake risk at 92.59, secure your home's foundation, brace water heaters, and bolt heavy furniture to walls—measures that pay dividends when seismic activity strikes. Standard homeowner's insurance doesn't cover earthquake damage; obtain a separate earthquake policy and ensure your policy limits align with replacement costs.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marshall County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marshall County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Marshall County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 62th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Marshall County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Marshall County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (47th percentile), hurricane (42th percentile), wildfire (29th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 93th percentile nationally puts Marshall County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. The county's tornado risk at the 61th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Marshall County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Marshall County is 17.7 composite risk points above the Kentucky average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Marshall County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marshall County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Marshall County?
How does Marshall County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Marshall County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Marshall 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.