Pike County Disaster Risk
Pike County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
88th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
94th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pike County, Kentucky
Pike County faces above-average national disaster risk
Pike County's composite risk score of 87.88 places it in the relatively moderate risk category, substantially exceeding both the national median and Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This reflects Pike's exposure to multiple significant hazards concentrated in flood and wildfire threats.
Pike ranks as one of Kentucky's highest-risk counties
Pike County scores among the highest composite risk levels statewide at 87.88, ranking it in the top tier of Kentucky's 120 counties for disaster vulnerability. This elevated risk reflects the county's geography and landscape, which create pronounced exposure to several hazard types simultaneously.
Pike's risk substantially exceeds surrounding counties
Pike County's 87.88 score dwarfs neighboring Perry County (73.22), Powell County (31.20), and Rockcastle County (36.13), making it the clear disaster risk leader in its region. Only Perry County approaches Pike's vulnerability level, and all other nearby counties rank substantially lower in overall composite risk.
Flooding and wildfires define Pike's hazard landscape
Flood risk reaches 93.96—the highest in Pike's risk profile and among Kentucky's most severe—while wildfire risk at 90.08 represents another critical threat to structures and residents. Earthquake risk (57.28) and hurricane risk (51.19) are moderate, while tornado risk remains comparatively low at 19.56.
Comprehensive insurance coverage critical for Pike County
Pike County residents should secure flood insurance immediately, given the county's exceptional flood risk score of 93.96; standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Additionally, properties in wildfire-prone areas should undergo defensible space audits, maintain clear vegetation buffers, and verify roof materials meet fire-resistant standards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pike County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pike County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Pike County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 88th. Pike County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Pike County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (57th percentile), hurricane (51th percentile), tornado (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 94th percentile nationally, Pike County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Alongside flooding, wildfire exposure at the 90th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Pike County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 43.7 points above the Kentucky state average puts Pike County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Pike County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pike County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Pike County?
How does Pike County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Pike County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pike 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.