Natural Disaster Risk in Simpson County

Natural Hazard Profile: Simpson County, Kentucky

Simpson County is located in the United States in Kentucky, home to roughly 19,560 residents. The county experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters with ice storm risk, with recurring winter ice storm events shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Simpson County carries an overall risk score of 5.3/10, placing it in the moderate category. Hail is the primary natural disaster concern, with severe storms delivering baseball-sized or larger hailstones that cause significant insured losses each year. The area also faces notable exposure to earthquake and ice storm.

Simpson County's risk score, near the 5.5/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Simpson County, the highest-scoring are hail, earthquake, and ice storm. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Simpson County residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for hail is recommended.