Martin County Disaster Risk
Martin County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#46
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
71th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% 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 30% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Martin County, Kentucky
Martin faces moderate disaster risk overall
Martin County's composite risk score of 49.94 ranks it as 'relatively low' and nearly aligns with the national average of 50.19. Wildfire (77.19) and flooding (71.22) are Martin's most acute hazards, reflecting the county's exposure to seasonal environmental threats.
Martin sits slightly above Kentucky's average
Martin's composite score of 49.94 modestly exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it in the middle of the statewide risk distribution. Wildfire risk at 77.19 is notably higher than the state norm, marking wildfire as a key management priority.
Martin is riskier than Magoffin but safer than Madison
Martin's score of 49.94 sits between neighboring Magoffin County (34.99) and Madison County (74.84), reflecting a middle position in the region's hazard landscape. However, Martin's wildfire risk of 77.19 significantly exceeds both neighbors, distinguishing it as a fire-vulnerable area.
Wildfire and flooding pose primary threats
Wildfire (77.19) is Martin's dominant hazard, while flooding (71.22) poses a secondary but serious risk during wet seasons. Tornado risk remains minimal at 21.88, giving the county a more predictable seasonal threat cycle than many Kentucky peers.
Defend against wildfire and prepare for floods
Create a 30-foot defensible space around your home by removing dead vegetation and overhanging branches—critical with wildfire risk at 77.19. Ensure your homeowner's policy covers both wildfire and flood damage, and maintain gutters and drainage systems to manage seasonal water intrusion.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Martin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Martin County
Risk Verdict
At the 50th percentile nationally, Martin County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Martin County's 50th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Martin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (40th percentile), earthquake (30th percentile), tornado (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Martin County's primary hazard at the 77th percentile nationally. For Martin 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. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 71th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Martin 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
Martin County falls 5.7 points above Kentucky's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Martin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Martin County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Martin County?
How does Martin County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Martin County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Martin 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.