Woodford County Disaster Risk
Woodford County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
40th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#59
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
48th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Woodford County, Kentucky
Woodford County's risk is below national average
Woodford County's composite risk score of 40.01 earns a Very Low rating and sits below the national average for natural disasters. Notably low wildfire exposure and minimal earthquake risk provide residents with relative safety.
Safer than most Kentucky counties
Woodford County's score of 40.01 falls below Kentucky's average of 44.21, placing it among the state's lower-risk areas. This modest safety margin positions the county ahead of many peers in overall disaster resilience.
Safest in its central Kentucky region
Woodford County's score of 40.01 makes it notably safer than higher-risk Warren County (88.49) to the west. It ranks similarly to Union County (42.78) and provides residents with above-average protection for the Bluegrass region.
Tornadoes represent Woodford's primary threat
Tornado risk of 73.19 is Woodford County's highest hazard, reflecting typical spring severe weather for central Kentucky. Flood risk of 47.96 and earthquake risk of 57.95 remain moderate, while wildfire exposure is minimal at 7.70.
Tornado readiness is priority for Woodford
Identify a safe room in your home—preferably a basement or interior room on the lowest floor—for severe spring storms. Maintain standard homeowners insurance and consider a weather radio to catch tornado watches and warnings early.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Woodford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Woodford County
Risk Verdict
Woodford County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 40th percentile nationally. Woodford County's 40th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Woodford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (48th percentile), hurricane (34th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 73th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Woodford County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Woodford County at the 58th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. For Woodford County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Woodford County tracks the Kentucky county average closely, sitting 4.2 composite points below the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Kentucky.
Is your household prepared for Woodford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Woodford County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Woodford County?
How does Woodford County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Woodford County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Woodford 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.