Simpson County Disaster Risk
Simpson County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
27th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#91
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
24th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Simpson County, Kentucky
Simpson County's disaster risk compared nationally
Simpson County scores 27.00 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and falling well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This places Simpson among the safer counties nationwide for natural disaster exposure.
Where Simpson ranks among Kentucky counties
Simpson County's composite risk score of 27.00 ranks it as one of Kentucky's safest counties, with below-average exposure to most major hazards. This low-risk profile reflects Simpson's relative protection from the state's most severe natural disasters.
How Simpson compares to nearby counties
Simpson's 27.00 score places it firmly in the low-risk category, similar to Todd County (28.56) but substantially safer than Scott County (56.08) and Shelby County (61.86). Simpson residents enjoy notably lower disaster risk than most surrounding counties.
Simpson's main natural disaster concern
Earthquakes present Simpson's highest hazard risk at 76.56, though tornado exposure at 55.41 also warrants attention. Both hazards exceed typical safe thresholds, making them Simpson's primary natural disaster concerns despite the county's overall low composite risk.
Basic coverage protects Simpson County homes
Simpson's low overall risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides solid foundation protection. However, consider adding earthquake coverage given Simpson's relatively high seismic vulnerability score of 76.56.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Simpson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Simpson County
Risk Verdict
Simpson County's overall natural disaster score at the 27th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Even at the 27th percentile, Simpson County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Simpson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (27th percentile), flood (24th percentile), wildfire (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 77th percentile nationally puts Simpson 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. Alongside earthquake exposure, Simpson County's tornado risk at the 55th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Simpson 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
Simpson County's composite risk score sits 17.2 points below the Kentucky county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Simpson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Simpson County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Simpson County?
How does Simpson County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Simpson County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Simpson 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.