Pulaski County Disaster Risk
Pulaski County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
79th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
82th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pulaski County, Kentucky
Pulaski County faces elevated national disaster risk
Pulaski County's composite risk score of 79.13 substantially exceeds both the national median and Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it in the relatively low risk category but with notable exposure. This reflects pronounced vulnerability in multiple hazard types, particularly earthquakes and tornadoes.
Pulaski ranks among Kentucky's higher-risk counties
Pulaski County's score of 79.13 places it in the upper half of Kentucky's 120 counties for composite disaster risk, reflecting the county's location in a seismically active region. The county's earthquake risk in particular stands out as a defining vulnerability statewide.
Pulaski's risk profile stands out in central Kentucky
Pulaski County's 79.13 composite score exceeds nearby Rockcastle County (36.13) and Russell County (31.87) by a substantial margin, though it trails Pike County (87.88) and Perry County (73.22) to the east. This makes Pulaski a moderate-to-high risk outlier within its immediate geographic region.
Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate Pulaski's hazards
Pulaski County faces significant earthquake risk at 83.62—exceptionally high statewide—alongside tornado risk of 82.98, making these dual threats the county's defining vulnerabilities. Flood risk (81.55) is also notable, while wildfire (64.15) and hurricane (56.20) risks remain secondary concerns.
Earthquake and tornado preparedness critical for Pulaski
Pulaski County residents should ensure homes meet current seismic building codes, particularly older structures; secure heavy furniture to walls and know safe shelter locations during earthquakes. A comprehensive homeowners or renters insurance policy is essential, and families should maintain a detailed disaster kit with supplies for both earthquake and tornado scenarios.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pulaski County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pulaski County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Pulaski County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 79th percentile. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Pulaski County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 83th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (82th percentile), wildfire (64th percentile), hurricane (56th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 84th percentile nationally puts Pulaski County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. The county's tornado risk at the 83th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Pulaski County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Pulaski County is 34.9 composite risk points above the Kentucky average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Pulaski County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pulaski County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Pulaski County?
How does Pulaski County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Pulaski County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pulaski 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.