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

Caddo Parish Disaster Risk

Caddo Parish, Louisiana

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

93th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#10

of 64 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

92th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Moderate

Higher than 92% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 63% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 90% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 85% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 83% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Caddo Parish, Louisiana

Caddo faces moderate disaster risk nationally

Caddo Parish scores 92.62 on composite risk, placing it well above the national average and earning a Relatively Moderate rating. This score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and tornadoes. Nationally, Caddo ranks among higher-risk counties, driven by its location in a region prone to severe weather and water-related disasters.

Caddo's risk exceeds Louisiana's typical profile

At 92.62, Caddo's composite risk score towers above Louisiana's state average of 62.37—nearly 50% higher. Among Louisiana's 64 parishes, Caddo ranks as one of the highest-risk counties statewide. This elevation reflects the parish's vulnerability to multiple hazard categories, from riverine flooding to severe storms.

Caddo riskier than surrounding parishes

Caddo's 92.62 score significantly exceeds nearby De Soto Parish (42.02) and Claiborne Parish (41.73), making it the riskiest in its immediate region. While Calcasieu Parish to the south scores even higher at 95.71, Caddo still presents markedly elevated hazard exposure compared to most neighboring counties. This concentration of risk reflects Caddo's exposure to both riverine systems and storm corridors.

Flooding and tornadoes dominate Caddo's hazards

Caddo's flood risk scores 92.05—among the parish's most pressing threats—while tornado risk reaches 89.82, creating dual exposure to water and wind disasters. Earthquake risk (84.67) and hurricane risk (82.77) also present meaningful threats, though secondary to the flooding and severe storm patterns. Combined, these four hazards drive Caddo's overall elevated risk profile.

Comprehensive coverage critical for Caddo residents

Given Caddo's flood risk of 92.05 and tornado risk of 89.82, standard homeowners insurance is insufficient—flood and wind coverage are essential. Consider a bundled policy that covers both flooding (through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers) and windstorms to address your parish's primary threats. Review and update your coverage annually, as Caddo's risk profile demands robust protection.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Caddo Parish

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    FloodPrepare
    92th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    90th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    85th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Caddo Parish

Risk Verdict

Caddo Parish's overall risk score at the 93th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.

Hazard Breakdown

Flood risk is Caddo Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (85th percentile), hurricane (83th percentile), wildfire (63th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Caddo Parish sits at the 92th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Alongside flooding, tornado exposure at the 90th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Regardless of specific hazard, Caddo Parish households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.

Regional Context

Compared to other Louisiana counties, Caddo Parish runs 30.3 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.

Is your household prepared for Caddo 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 Caddo Parish, LA?
Caddo Parish has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 93th 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 Caddo Parish?
Caddo Parish is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: flooding (92th percentile), tornado (90th percentile), earthquake (85th percentile), hurricane (83th percentile), wildfire (63th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is flooding at the 92th 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 Caddo Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Caddo Parish's composite risk percentile is 93th, compared to the Louisiana state average of 62th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Caddo Parish faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Louisiana.
Is Caddo Parish at risk for flooding?
Yes, Caddo Parish's flooding risk is at the 92th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type.
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 Caddo Parish higher risk than average?
Caddo Parish's composite risk score of 93th percentile is above the Louisiana state average of 62th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by flooding exposure (92th percentile), along with tornado and earthquake and hurricane and wildfire risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.