Rockcastle County Disaster Risk
Rockcastle County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
36th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#70
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
53th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rockcastle County, Kentucky
Rockcastle County maintains low national disaster risk
Rockcastle County's composite risk score of 36.13 ranks it as very low risk, modestly below the national median and well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This favorable profile reflects relatively balanced exposure across multiple hazard types without critical concentrations.
Rockcastle ranks among Kentucky's safer counties
Rockcastle County scores 36.13 in composite risk, placing it in the lower quartile of Kentucky's 120 counties and among the safer communities statewide. The county's risk profile benefits from geographic positioning that minimizes extreme earthquake and hurricane exposure.
Rockcastle part of a safer eastern Kentucky region
Rockcastle County's 36.13 score aligns closely with neighboring Powell County (31.20) and Russell County (31.87), creating a pocket of relative safety in eastern Kentucky. This contrasts sharply with Pike County (87.88) and Perry County (73.22) to the north, which experience significantly higher disaster risk.
Flood exposure is Rockcastle's primary concern
Rockcastle County's highest risk category is flooding at 52.96, modestly above state average but manageable with standard awareness and precautions. Wildfire risk (47.52), tornado risk (48.89), and earthquake risk (40.87) all cluster in the moderate range, with hurricane risk remaining minimal at 35.50.
Standard insurance and flood awareness recommended
Rockcastle County residents should maintain standard homeowners or renters insurance and obtain flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program for any properties in or near flood-prone areas. Families should establish an emergency plan and understand local evacuation routes, particularly during severe weather seasons.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rockcastle County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rockcastle County
Risk Verdict
Rockcastle County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 36th percentile nationally. Residents of Rockcastle County can use the 36th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Rockcastle County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 53th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (48th percentile), earthquake (41th percentile), hurricane (36th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Rockcastle County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 53th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. Secondary tornado exposure at the 49th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. For most Rockcastle County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
The Kentucky county average exceeds Rockcastle County's score by 8.1 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Rockcastle County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rockcastle County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Rockcastle County?
How does Rockcastle County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Rockcastle County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Rockcastle 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.