McLean County Disaster Risk
McLean County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
41th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#58
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
46th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in McLean County, Kentucky
McLean's risk sits well below average
With a composite risk score of 40.71, McLean County ranks as Very Low risk—meaningfully safer than the national median. This score reflects a community where most hazards pose minimal threat to residents and property.
Below average for Kentucky
McLean's 40.71 score falls slightly below Kentucky's average of 44.21, placing the county in the safer half of the state's 120 counties. This modest gap underscores relatively low vulnerability across most natural hazards.
Safer than nearby counties
McLean's Very Low rating compares favorably to neighboring Meade County (40.90) and Mercer County (41.41), which face notably higher tornado risk. The county's earthquake risk of 84.64 stands out regionally, though absolute harm risk remains low in practice.
Watch for earthquake and flood
Earthquake risk scores 84.64 in McLean—the highest hazard here—though Kentucky earthquakes rarely cause structural damage. Flooding poses secondary concern at 45.83, with lower but still notable tornado risk at 37.56.
Basic coverage meets your needs
Standard homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage from tornadoes, but you'll need a separate flood policy if you're in a mapped flood zone. Consider earthquake coverage only if you're in a high-risk zone or own older masonry structures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McLean County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McLean County
Risk Verdict
At the 41th percentile nationally, McLean County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 41th percentile nationally, McLean County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is McLean County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (38th percentile), hurricane (27th percentile), wildfire (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
McLean County ranks at the 85th percentile nationally for earthquake risk. Unlike most natural hazards, earthquakes provide no advance warning; preparedness here means structural adjustments and a practiced response, not alert monitoring. Flood at the 46th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for McLean County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. For earthquake preparedness, McLean County's county emergency management office often maintains a list of community water supply points, Red Cross shelter locations, and post-quake assistance programs — useful resources to identify before an event occurs.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 3.5 points from the Kentucky average, making McLean County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for McLean County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McLean County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect McLean County?
How does McLean County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is McLean County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is McLean 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.