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

McCreary County Disaster Risk

McCreary County, Kentucky

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

25th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#94

of 120 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

24th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 24% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 74% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 60% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in McCreary County, Kentucky

McCreary ranks among Kentucky's safest counties

McCreary County's composite risk score of 25.32 places it in the 'very low' category and well below the national average of 50.19. The county's minimal exposure across most hazards makes it one of Kentucky's most favorable locations for disaster resilience.

McCreary is among the state's lowest-risk counties

McCreary's composite score of 25.32 sits substantially below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it among the commonwealth's safest areas. The county's minimal wildfire risk of 74.17 is lower than many peers, though wildfire remains its most prominent hazard.

McCreary is safer than most regional counties

McCreary's score of 25.32 is lower than neighboring Marion (30.22), Mason (39.19), and Martin (49.94), making it among the region's most hazard-resilient counties. Only its wildfire exposure at 74.17 approaches moderate levels; all other threats remain well-controlled.

Wildfire is McCreary's primary hazard

Wildfire risk at 74.17 is McCreary's leading threat, though it remains below state averages and manageable with proper planning. Tornado (48.16) and hurricane risks (48.48) are secondary concerns, while flooding and earthquakes pose minimal danger.

Prioritize wildfire prevention measures

Clear dead vegetation and overhanging branches within 30 feet of your home to reduce wildfire ignition risk despite the county's overall low profile. Ensure your homeowner's policy covers wildfire damage, and maintain gutters clear of debris to manage seasonal water drainage.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in McCreary County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    74th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    60th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    48th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: McCreary County

Risk Verdict

McCreary County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 25th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 25th percentile nationally is an advantage for McCreary County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is McCreary County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (48th percentile), tornado (48th percentile), flood (24th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Wildfire is McCreary County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 74th percentile nationally. McCreary County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 60th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For McCreary County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.

Regional Context

The Kentucky county average exceeds McCreary County's score by 18.9 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for McCreary 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 McCreary County, KY?
McCreary County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 25th 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 McCreary County?
McCreary County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (74th percentile), earthquake (60th percentile), hurricane (48th percentile), tornado (48th percentile), flooding (24th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 74th 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 McCreary County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
McCreary County's composite risk percentile is 25th, compared to the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means McCreary County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Kentucky.
Is McCreary County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, McCreary County's wildfire risk is at the 74th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, McCreary County is at the 24th 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 McCreary County a safe place to live?
McCreary County's composite risk score of 25th 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 74th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Clinton County

Kentucky

-0.8

Very Low

25th percentile

Anderson County

Kentucky

+1.0

Very Low

26th percentile

Jackson County

Kentucky

-1.1

Very Low

24th percentile

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.

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