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

Monroe County Disaster Risk

Monroe County, Kentucky

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

27th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#92

of 120 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

34th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 34% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 11% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 53% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 64% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 43% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Monroe County, Kentucky

Monroe presents low national risk

Monroe County scores 26.65 on the composite risk scale, well below the national average and rated Very Low. The county's exposure to major natural disasters remains minimal across most hazard types.

Safer than Kentucky overall

At 26.65, Monroe ranks substantially below Kentucky's 44.21 average, securing its place among the state's lowest-risk counties. This protective position reflects favorable geography and relatively low hazard concentration.

Second-safest in immediate region

Monroe's 26.65 trails only Menifee County (6.20) among nearby areas, making it genuinely safe by regional standards. Nearby Metcalfe (21.79) sits marginally lower, creating a cluster of exceptional safety.

Hurricane and tornado are moderate concerns

Hurricane risk scores 42.51 in Monroe—the county's highest hazard—though direct hurricane impact remains distant and unlikely. Tornado (53.40) and earthquake (63.58) risks round out secondary concerns, all below or near state averages.

Basic coverage handles most scenarios

Standard homeowners insurance covers wind, hail, and tornado damage in Monroe's low-risk setting. Flood insurance is recommended only for properties in mapped floodplain zones or areas with prior flood history.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Monroe County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    64th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    53th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    43th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Monroe County

Risk Verdict

Monroe County's overall natural disaster score at the 27th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. The 27th percentile national ranking is one lens; Monroe County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Monroe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 53th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (43th percentile), flood (34th percentile), wildfire (11th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake exposure at the 64th percentile nationally puts Monroe County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Monroe County's tornado risk at the 53th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Monroe County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.

Regional Context

Monroe County's composite risk score sits 17.6 points below the Kentucky county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.

Is your household prepared for Monroe 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 Monroe County, KY?
Monroe County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 27th 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 Monroe County?
Monroe County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (64th percentile), tornado (53th percentile), hurricane (43th percentile), flooding (34th percentile), wildfire (11th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 64th 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 Monroe County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Monroe County's composite risk percentile is 27th, compared to the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Monroe County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Kentucky.
Is Monroe County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Monroe County's earthquake risk is at the 64th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Monroe County is at the 34th 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 Monroe County a safe place to live?
Monroe County's composite risk score of 27th 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 earthquake at the 64th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Anderson County

Kentucky

-0.3

Very Low

26th percentile

Simpson County

Kentucky

+0.3

Very Low

27th percentile

Livingston County

Kentucky

+0.5

Very Low

27th 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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