Natural Disaster Risk in Waco
Kentucky
Risk Summary for Waco
Waco scores 7.1/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Lightning.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Waco, Kentucky
Waco is a small community of about 2,233 in Madison County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters with ice storm risk, with recurring winter ice storm events shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Waco.
FEMA rates Waco's composite natural disaster risk at 7.1 out of 10 — high risk. High lightning activity is the primary natural hazard concern, driven by frequent severe thunderstorm development that produces dense ground strike patterns across the area. Residents should also account for wind and winter risk in their preparedness planning.
Waco's risk score, considerably above the 5.5/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Madison County, the highest-scoring are lightning, wind, and winter. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Waco's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for Waco: Lightning preparedness
- Install whole-home surge protection to shield electronics from strike-related power surges.
- Follow the "when thunder roars, go indoors" rule and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder.
- Avoid plumbing and corded electronics during active thunderstorms.
Local Factors for Waco
These city-level factors differentiate Waco from other communities in Madison County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,233
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 37.7°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.8/10
Coordinates
37.7387° N, 84.1308° W
Madison County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Waco
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Waco
Other cities in Kentucky
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.