McCracken County Disaster Risk
McCracken County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#4
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
80th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in McCracken County, Kentucky
McCracken faces the state's highest disaster risk
McCracken County's composite risk score of 89.66 ranks it as 'relatively moderate'—significantly above the national average of 50.19 and the highest among Kentucky's eight most at-risk counties. Earthquake risk at 97.55 is among the nation's most severe, placing McCracken in an extraordinarily precarious seismic position.
McCracken is Kentucky's riskiest county overall
McCracken's composite score of 89.66 far exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21 by more than double, making it the riskiest county in the commonwealth. Its earthquake risk of 97.55 is the highest statewide, combined with elevated tornado (85.72) and flood risks (80.41).
McCracken vastly exceeds regional peers
McCracken's score of 89.66 dwarfs all other regional counties, with even the next-riskiest neighbor, Madison (74.84), scoring 15 points lower. McCracken's earthquake risk of 97.55 stands alone—unmatched in severity by any comparable county.
Earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods converge here
McCracken faces a dangerous triad: earthquake risk at 97.55 (nearly catastrophic), tornado risk at 85.72, and flooding at 80.41. No other Kentucky county combines such severe multi-hazard exposure, making comprehensive preparedness and mitigation essential for every resident.
Invest urgently in earthquake and flood resilience
Foundation bolting, water heater bracing, and furniture anchoring are non-negotiable with earthquake risk at 97.55—engage a certified seismic retrofit specialist immediately. Obtain separate earthquake and flood insurance policies with adequate limits, maintain a secure tornado shelter, and complete a household disaster plan tailored to multi-hazard threats.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McCracken County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McCracken County
Risk Verdict
McCracken County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 90th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in McCracken County.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is McCracken County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (80th percentile), hurricane (44th percentile), wildfire (36th percentile).
Preparedness Context
McCracken County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 98th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. The county's tornado risk at the 86th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. After a major earthquake, McCracken County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
McCracken County falls 45.5 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 McCracken County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McCracken County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect McCracken County?
How does McCracken County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is McCracken County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is McCracken 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.