Muhlenberg County

Kentucky — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Low

Composite Risk Score

53.2

National percentile: 53th

Muhlenberg County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 53.2, 53th national percentile), driven primarily by ice storm and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $14M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $14M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability High Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Medium Capacity to recover
Population 31K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Ice Storm
High $979K/yr
Earthquake
Low $2M/yr
Hail
Medium $1M/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Ice Storm High 1.18 / yr $979K
Earthquake Low 0.01 / yr $2M
Hail Medium 3.04 / yr $1M
Strong Wind Medium 5.10 / yr $1M
Heat Wave Low 8.32 / yr $880K
Drought Medium 3.97 / yr $407K
Winter Weather Medium 7.05 / yr $91K
Cold Wave Low 0.84 / yr $1M
Tornado Low 0.39 / yr $1M
Lightning Low 53.49 / yr $203K
Riverine Flood Low 5.11 / yr $5M
Landslide Very Low 0.85 / yr $545
Hurricane Very Low 0.01 / yr $12K
Wildfire Very Low 0.00 / yr $5K
Avalanche Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Coastal Flood Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Tsunami Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Volcanic Activity Very Low 0.00 / yr $0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Muhlenberg County?

Muhlenberg County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 53.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 53th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Muhlenberg County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Ice Storm (High, $979K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $2M EAL), Hail (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Muhlenberg County compare to other Kentucky counties?

Muhlenberg County ranks #42 of 120 Kentucky counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.

What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?

EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Muhlenberg County's $14M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.