Louisiana natural disaster risk
Louisiana ranks #34 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are hurricane, heat wave, lightning.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Louisiana's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Baton Rouge Parish | 452,938 | 98.0 | Relatively High |
| Jefferson Parish | 430,920 | 98.7 | Relatively High |
| Orleans Parish | 371,853 | 98.3 | Relatively High |
| St. Tammany Parish | 272,421 | 96.6 | Relatively High |
| Lafayette Parish | 247,997 | 95.2 | Relatively High |
| Caddo Parish | 230,004 | 92.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Calcasieu Parish | 207,088 | 95.7 | Relatively High |
| Ouachita Parish | 158,480 | 87.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Livingston Parish | 148,115 | 94.5 | Relatively High |
| Tangipahoa Parish | 136,738 | 93.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ascension Parish | 130,314 | 92.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Bossier Parish | 129,789 | 82.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Rapides Parish | 127,527 | 84.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Terrebonne Parish | 106,186 | 94.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lafourche Parish | 96,252 | 91.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| St. Landry Parish | 81,670 | 88.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Iberia Parish | 68,599 | 90.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Vermilion Parish | 57,123 | 84.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Acadia Parish | 56,955 | 88.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| St. Charles Parish | 51,396 | 85.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| St. Martin Parish | 51,353 | 87.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lincoln Parish | 48,174 | 64.3 | Relatively Low |
| St. Mary Parish | 47,828 | 88.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Vernon Parish | 47,117 | 68.9 | Relatively Low |
| Washington Parish | 45,120 | 85.5 | Relatively Moderate |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Louisiana
- Grant Parish 29.6
- West Baton Rouge Parish 31.8
- De Soto Parish 42.0
- Union Parish 49.7
- Allen Parish 50.7
- Morehouse Parish 55.3
- Beauregard Parish 55.6
- Natchitoches Parish 56.4
Cities in Louisiana
- New Orleans, LA risk 94.9
- Baton Rouge, LA risk 89.3
Frequently asked questions
Is Louisiana safe from natural disasters?
Louisiana's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 86.2 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #34 of 51 from safest. About 46% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Louisiana?
The highest relative risks in Louisiana are hurricane, heat wave, lightning (national percentile scores 92, 89, 88).
Where is the safest place to live in Louisiana?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Grant Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, De Soto Parish.