Morgan County Disaster Risk
Morgan County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
22th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#98
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
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Morgan County, Kentucky
Morgan ranks among safest nationally
Morgan County's composite risk score of 22.07 sits well below the national average, earning a Very Low rating. The county's natural hazard exposure remains minimal across most disaster types.
Substantially safer than Kentucky average
At 22.07, Morgan scores roughly half the state average of 44.21, making it one of Kentucky's genuinely safe counties. This significant protective advantage reflects favorable geography and low hazard concentration.
Among region's safest communities
Morgan's 22.07 ranks it second only to Menifee (6.20) in the immediate area, creating a pocket of exceptional safety. Nearby Metcalfe (21.79) offers similar protection, establishing a truly low-risk region.
Wildfire emerges as chief concern
Wildfire risk scores 70.93 in Morgan—the county's standout hazard and among Kentucky's highest—though forest management limits real-world impact. Hurricane (37.42), flood (45.71), and tornado (29.64) risks remain well below state benchmarks.
Focus on wildfire prevention
Maintain defensible space around your home by clearing brush and dead trees, given Morgan's elevated wildfire risk. Standard homeowners insurance will cover most other natural hazards, and flood insurance is optional unless you're near water features.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Morgan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Morgan County
Risk Verdict
Morgan County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 22th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Morgan County's favorable 22th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Morgan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (37th percentile), earthquake (37th percentile), tornado (30th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Morgan County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 71th percentile nationally. Morgan 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. The county's flood exposure at the 46th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Morgan 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 Morgan County's score by 22.1 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Morgan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Morgan County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Morgan County?
How does Morgan County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Morgan County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Morgan 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.