Powell County Disaster Risk
Powell County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
31th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#79
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
51th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Powell County, Kentucky
Powell County faces minimal national disaster risk
Powell County's composite risk score of 31.20 ranks it as very low risk, well below both the national median and Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This favorable rating reflects relatively balanced exposure across hazard types with no extreme concentrations in any single threat.
Among Kentucky's safest counties for natural disasters
Powell County ranks in the lower quartile of Kentucky's 120 counties for composite disaster risk at 31.20, placing it among the state's safest communities. The county benefits from a geographic position that minimizes exposure to severe earthquake, hurricane, and tornado activity.
Powell County enjoys relative safety in its region
Powell County's 31.20 score places it squarely in the lower-risk tier alongside Rockcastle County (36.13) and Russell County (31.87), making the immediate region one of Kentucky's safer areas. This contrasts sharply with Pike County to the east (87.88) and Perry County to the southeast (73.22), which carry substantially higher vulnerability.
Moderate flood exposure Powell's primary concern
Powell County's highest risk score is flood risk at 51.37, still below state average and manageable with standard precautions and awareness. Wildfire risk (43.19), tornado risk (37.12), and earthquake risk (37.82) all remain well below concerning thresholds, making Powell one of the state's more resilient counties.
Standard preparedness sufficient for Powell County
Powell County residents benefit from relatively low composite disaster risk and can maintain standard homeowners insurance with baseline emergency preparedness. Families should still maintain a basic disaster kit and understand local evacuation routes, particularly for properties near streams or in drainage-prone areas where flood risk peaks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Powell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Powell County
Risk Verdict
Powell County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 31th percentile nationally. At the 31th percentile, Powell County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Powell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 43th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (38th percentile), tornado (37th percentile), hurricane (35th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 51th percentile nationally, Powell County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Secondary wildfire exposure at the 43th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Powell County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
Powell County falls 13.0 points below Kentucky's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Powell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Powell County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Powell County?
How does Powell County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Powell County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Powell 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.