Union County Disaster Risk
Union County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
36th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Union County, Kentucky
Union County's risk sits below average
With a composite risk score of 42.78, Union County ranks as Very Low risk and sits well below the national average for natural disasters. This rating reflects below-average exposure to most major hazards, though some risks warrant attention.
Safer than most Kentucky counties
Union County's score of 42.78 places it below Kentucky's average of 44.21, making it one of the lower-risk counties in the state. This modest safety margin provides some protection, though conditions can vary by location within the county.
Middle ground among nearby counties
Union County's risk profile sits between very-low-risk Webster County (29.23) and higher-risk Wayne County (54.68). While safer than Warren County (88.49), Union shares similar tornado exposure with its neighbors at 38.68.
Earthquakes and tornadoes pose dual threat
Earthquake risk scores surprisingly high at 88.36, though damaging quakes remain rare in Kentucky. Tornado risk of 38.68 is more typical for the region and demands tornado preparedness, especially during spring and early summer.
Don't skip earthquake coverage in Union
Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage; consider a separate rider given Union's elevated earthquake score of 88.36. Ensure your policy covers tornado damage and maintain a household emergency kit with supplies for at least 72 hours.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Union County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Union County
Risk Verdict
Union County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 43th percentile nationally. A 43th percentile score positions Union County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Union County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (36th percentile), hurricane (27th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 88th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Union County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. Alongside earthquake exposure, Union County's tornado risk at the 39th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Union County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
Union County tracks the Kentucky county average closely, sitting 1.4 composite points below the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Kentucky.
Is your household prepared for Union County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Union County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Union County?
How does Union County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Union County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Union 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.