Perry County Disaster Risk
Perry County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
73th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#18
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
86th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Perry County, Kentucky
Perry County's disaster risk stands above average
Perry County scores 73.22 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national median and significantly higher than Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This relatively low rating masks concentrated hazards in specific disaster types that warrant attention from residents and property owners.
High-risk county in Kentucky ranking
Among Kentucky's 120 counties, Perry ranks in the upper half for overall disaster risk, driven primarily by exceptional flood and wildfire exposure. The county's 73.22 composite score reflects vulnerabilities that exceed most of its neighbors in the Appalachian region.
Perry among the highest-risk counties nearby
Perry County's 73.22 composite score significantly exceeds neighboring Powell County (31.20) and Rockcastle County (36.13), positioning it as a disaster risk outlier in the region. Only Pike County to the east (87.88) carries comparable or greater overall risk from natural hazards.
Flooding and wildfires dominate Perry's hazards
Flood risk scores 86.29—among the highest in Kentucky—making it Perry's most pressing natural disaster threat, followed closely by wildfire risk at 77.93. Tornado risk (33.91) and earthquake risk (49.62) are comparatively lower but still warrant baseline preparedness, particularly for older structures and mobile homes.
Flood insurance essential for Perry County homes
Given Perry's flood risk score of 86.29, homeowners and renters should prioritize flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, especially if properties are in or near floodplain areas. Wildfire-prone properties should clear vegetation within 30 feet of structures and ensure proper roof and gutter maintenance to reduce ember damage during fire season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Perry County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Perry County
Risk Verdict
Perry County's FEMA risk score places it at the 73th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Perry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (50th percentile), hurricane (44th percentile), tornado (34th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 86th percentile nationally for flood risk, Perry County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 78th percentile nationally, means Perry County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Perry County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The Kentucky county average is 29.0 composite points below Perry County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Perry County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Perry County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Perry County?
How does Perry County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Perry County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Perry County higher risk than average?
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.