Owsley County Disaster Risk
Owsley County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
6th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#118
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
21th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Owsley County, Kentucky
Owsley County is extraordinarily safe
With a composite risk score of just 6.39, Owsley County ranks among the absolute safest counties in the United States, with minimal exposure to nearly all major hazards and an extremely low score relative to Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This remarkable safety profile reflects the county's geographic isolation and low population density.
Kentucky's safest county overall
Owsley County's 6.39 composite score is the lowest among Kentucky's 120 counties profiled in this analysis, placing it in an elite tier of disaster safety. The county ranks approximately 37 points below the state average, with virtually no meaningful exposure to major hazards.
Dramatically safer than all peers
Owsley County's 6.39 score dwarfs all neighboring counties profiled here, including the next-safest Owen County (15.20) and Pendleton County (29.90). The county's extreme safety stands in sharp contrast to distant higher-risk neighbors like Nelson (55.18) and Oldham (55.98).
Wildfire is sole notable exposure
Owsley County's only significant hazard exposure is wildfire risk (64.57), which remains the county's standout concern despite the overall very-low composite score. All other risks—tornado (15.81), flood (21.25), earthquake (25.41)—are minimal, making wildfire prevention the primary disaster focus.
Minimal insurance needs apply
Owsley County residents benefit from exceptionally low disaster risk and require only basic homeowners insurance coverage, with wildfire awareness as the sole elevated concern. The county's safety profile means households can allocate disaster preparedness resources toward other community needs.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Owsley County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Owsley County
Risk Verdict
Owsley County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 6th percentile nationally. At the 6th percentile nationally, Owsley County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Owsley County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 25th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (23th percentile), flood (21th percentile), tornado (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Owsley County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 65th percentile nationally. Owsley 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. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 25th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Owsley 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 Owsley County's score by 37.8 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Owsley County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Owsley County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Owsley County?
How does Owsley County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Owsley County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Owsley 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.