riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Bossier Parish Disaster Risk

Bossier Parish, Louisiana

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

83th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#23

of 64 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

74th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 74% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 39% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 86% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 72% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 75% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Bossier Parish, Louisiana

Bossier faces significant disaster risk

Bossier Parish's composite risk score of 82.54 places it in the relatively moderate category, well above Louisiana's state average of 62.37. This makes Bossier one of the state's higher-exposure parishes for natural disasters.

Among Louisiana's higher-risk parishes

Bossier ranks in the upper tier of Louisiana's disaster risk distribution, primarily driven by high tornado and flood exposure. The parish's 85.75 tornado risk is exceptionally elevated compared to most state parishes.

Riskier than surrounding parishes

Bossier's 82.54 score vastly exceeds nearby Bienville Parish (28.66) to the south and represents one of northern Louisiana's highest-risk areas. The parish faces substantially more hazard exposure than most surrounding regions.

Tornadoes and earthquakes are severe

Bossier faces exceptionally high tornado risk (85.75) and notable earthquake risk (71.98)—an unusual hazard combination for Louisiana. Flood risk (73.95) rounds out the parish's major concerns.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Bossier residents need robust homeowners insurance with windstorm protection, plus consideration of earthquake coverage given the parish's elevated seismic exposure. Building storm shelter capacity and maintaining earthquake-safe practices provide critical layered defense.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Bossier Parish

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    86th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    75th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    74th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Bossier Parish

Risk Verdict

Bossier Parish faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Bossier Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (74th percentile), earthquake (72th percentile), wildfire (39th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Bossier Parish's top-ranked natural hazard at the 86th percentile nationally. For Bossier Parish households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Alongside tornado exposure, hurricane at the 75th percentile nationally means Bossier Parish households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Bossier Parish, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

Bossier Parish's composite risk score sits 20.2 points above the Louisiana county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Bossier Parish's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Bossier Parish, LA?
Bossier Parish has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 83th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Bossier Parish?
Bossier Parish is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (86th percentile), hurricane (75th percentile), flooding (74th percentile), earthquake (72th percentile), wildfire (39th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 86th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Bossier Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Bossier Parish's composite risk percentile is 83th, compared to the Louisiana state average of 62th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Bossier Parish faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Louisiana.
Is Bossier Parish at risk for tornado?
Yes, Bossier Parish's tornado risk is at the 86th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Bossier Parish is at the 74th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Bossier Parish higher risk than average?
Bossier Parish's composite risk score of 83th percentile is above the Louisiana state average of 62th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (86th percentile), along with hurricane and flooding and earthquake risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

St. John the Baptist Parish

Louisiana

-1.0

Relatively Moderate

82th percentile

Rapides Parish

Louisiana

+1.7

Relatively Moderate

84th percentile

Vermilion Parish

Louisiana

+2.2

Relatively Moderate

85th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Data Source

Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.

Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.

Explore more data for Bossier Parish

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateIncomeHealthSchoolsWater QualityWeatherCounty Score