Natural Disaster Risk in Hickory

Natural Hazard Profile: Hickory, Kentucky

Located in the interior eastern United States in Graves County, Hickory is a small community of about 2,114. The humid subtropical climate that characterizes this part of Kentucky — marked by hot, humid summers and cold winters with ice storm risk — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Hickory a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Hickory's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.1/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake risk stands out in the local hazard profile, driven by proximity to fault systems with a history of significant ground movement. Secondary hazards include ice storm and wind.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Hickory's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably above the 5.5/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by earthquake and ice storm, as measured by FEMA across Graves County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Hickory residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for earthquake and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.