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

Montgomery County Disaster Risk

Montgomery County, Kentucky

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

34th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#73

of 120 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

50th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 50% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 31% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 54% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 58% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 37% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Montgomery County, Kentucky

Montgomery sits safely below average

At 34.32, Montgomery County's composite risk score falls below the national average with a Very Low rating. The county faces minimal to moderate exposure across most natural hazard categories.

Below Kentucky's typical risk

Montgomery's 34.32 scores below the state average of 44.21, placing it among Kentucky's safer counties. This modest advantage reflects balanced hazard exposure with no single dominant threat.

Moderate risk in regional context

Montgomery's 34.32 exceeds the exceptionally safe Menifee (6.20) and Morgan (22.07) but trails peers like Mercer (41.41). Wildfire risk (30.66) is notably higher here than in most surrounding areas.

Tornado and flood lead concerns

Tornado risk at 53.85 and flood exposure at 49.68 drive Montgomery's hazard profile, both near or slightly below state averages. Wildfire risk of 30.66 ranks second-highest in the immediate region, requiring awareness during dry seasons.

Comprehensive coverage recommended

Verify your homeowners policy includes full wind and hail coverage for tornado protection, and consider flood insurance if your property is in a floodplain or low-lying area. Wildfire risk warrants vegetation management around your home.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Montgomery County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    58th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    54th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    50th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Montgomery County

Risk Verdict

Montgomery County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 34th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Even at the 34th percentile, Montgomery County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Montgomery County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 58th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (50th percentile), hurricane (37th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Montgomery County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 58th 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. Tornado at the 54th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Montgomery County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Montgomery 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

Compared to the Kentucky county average, Montgomery County's composite score runs 9.9 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.

Is your household prepared for Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, KY?
Montgomery County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 34th 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 Montgomery County?
Montgomery County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (58th percentile), tornado (54th percentile), flooding (50th percentile), hurricane (37th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 58th 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 Montgomery County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Montgomery County's composite risk percentile is 34th, compared to the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Montgomery County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Kentucky.
Is Montgomery County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Montgomery County's earthquake risk is at the 58th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Montgomery County is at the 50th 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 Montgomery County a safe place to live?
Montgomery County's composite risk score of 34th 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 58th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Harrison County

Kentucky

-0.5

Very Low

34th percentile

Magoffin County

Kentucky

+0.7

Very Low

35th percentile

Allen County

Kentucky

-1.0

Very Low

33th 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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