Metcalfe County Disaster Risk
Metcalfe County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
22th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#99
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
33th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Metcalfe County, Kentucky
Metcalfe ranks as exceptionally safe
With a 21.79 composite risk score, Metcalfe County sits well below the national average and earns a Very Low risk rating. Most natural hazards pose minimal threat across the county.
Much safer than Kentucky average
Metcalfe's 21.79 score runs sharply below Kentucky's 44.21 average, placing the county among the state's lower-risk areas. This significant gap reflects protective geography and hazard patterns.
Safer than surrounding counties
Metcalfe's 21.79 outperforms neighboring Monroe (26.65) and exceeds the broader region's hazard profile substantially. The county's wildfire risk (6.77) is among Kentucky's lowest, a major safety advantage.
Tornado and earthquake top concerns
Tornado risk at 48.70 and earthquake exposure at 50.54 are Metcalfe's primary hazards, though both remain below state averages. Flood (33.02) and hurricane (30.75) risks are minimal in comparison.
Standard homeowners policy sufficient
Your existing homeowners insurance will cover tornado, wind, and hail damage in Metcalfe's relatively safe environment. Flood insurance is optional unless you're in a flood zone, given the county's low flood risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Metcalfe County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Metcalfe County
Risk Verdict
Metcalfe County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 22th percentile nationally. At the 22th percentile nationally, Metcalfe 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 Metcalfe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (33th percentile), hurricane (31th percentile), wildfire (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 51th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Metcalfe County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. The county's tornado risk at the 49th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Metcalfe County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
Metcalfe County falls 22.4 points below Kentucky's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Metcalfe County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Metcalfe County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Metcalfe County?
How does Metcalfe County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Metcalfe County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Metcalfe 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.