Webster County Disaster Risk
Webster County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
29th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#86
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
32th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Webster County, Kentucky
Webster County enjoys below-average disaster risk
Webster County's composite risk score of 29.23 earns a Very Low rating and sits well below the national average for natural disasters. Minimal wildfire exposure and moderate tornado risk contribute to the county's strong safety profile.
One of Kentucky's safest counties
Webster County's score of 29.23 ranks significantly below Kentucky's average of 44.21, placing it among the state's lower-risk areas. Only a handful of counties show comparable safety profiles.
Safest in its western Kentucky region
Webster County's score of 29.23 makes it notably safer than higher-risk Union County (42.78) and Whitley County (62.21). It rivals nearby counties for low-risk status, offering residents relative security from major disasters.
Tornadoes present biggest seasonal threat
Tornado risk of 39.69 is Webster County's highest hazard, though still below state average levels. Wildfire exposure is exceptionally low at 2.51, reflecting the county's non-forested landscape and reduced summer fire threat.
Basic preparedness sufficient for Webster County
Webster County residents benefit from low overall risk; standard homeowners insurance covers most exposures. Maintain a weather radio and know your tornado safe room location for spring and early summer storm season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Webster County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Webster County
Risk Verdict
At the 29th percentile nationally, Webster County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Even at the 29th percentile, Webster County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Webster County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 40th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (32th percentile), hurricane (22th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Webster County ranks at the 81th percentile nationally for earthquake risk. Unlike most natural hazards, earthquakes provide no advance warning; preparedness here means structural adjustments and a practiced response, not alert monitoring. Tornado at the 40th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Webster County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. For earthquake preparedness, Webster County's county emergency management office often maintains a list of community water supply points, Red Cross shelter locations, and post-quake assistance programs — useful resources to identify before an event occurs.
Regional Context
A composite score 15.0 points below the Kentucky state average puts Webster County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Webster County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Webster County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Webster County?
How does Webster County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Webster County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Webster 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.