Out of 25 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 25 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 20 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 2 |
Top 25 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jefferson | Kentucky | 6 | 0 | 2025 | 2/100 |
| 2 | Fayette | Kentucky | 3 | 0 | 2014 | 2/100 |
| 3 | Campbell | Kentucky | 1 | 1 | 2013 | 9/100 |
| 4 | Daviess | Kentucky | 1 | 1 | 2009 | 7/100 |
| 5 | Mason | Kentucky | 1 | 0 | 2016 | 3/100 |
| 6 | Union | Kentucky | 1 | 0 | 2011 | 3/100 |
| 7 | McCracken | Kentucky | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 2/100 |
| 8 | Henry | Kentucky | 1 | 0 | 2006 | 1/100 |
| 9 | Marion | Kentucky | 1 | 0 | 2012 | 1/100 |
| 10 | Oldham | Kentucky | 1 | 0 | 2009 | 1/100 |
| 11 | Pike | Kentucky | 1 | 0 | 2021 | 1/100 |
| 12 | Henderson | Kentucky | 1 | 0 | 2007 | 1/100 |
| 13 | Taylor | Kentucky | 1 | 0 | 2012 | 1/100 |
| 14 | Pendleton | Kentucky | 0 | 0 | — | 9/100 |
| 15 | Boone | Kentucky | 0 | 0 | — | 9/100 |
| 16 | McLean | Kentucky | 0 | 0 | — | 7/100 |
| 17 | Hancock | Kentucky | 0 | 0 | — | 7/100 |
| 18 | Grant | Kentucky | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 19 | Carlisle | Kentucky | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 20 | Trimble | Kentucky | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 21 | Letcher | Kentucky | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 22 | Johnson | Kentucky | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 23 | Floyd | Kentucky | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 24 | Webster | Kentucky | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 25 | Adair | Kentucky | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Kentucky based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.