Calcasieu Parish Disaster Risk
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
96th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
94th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 94% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
Calcasieu ranks among America's highest-risk counties
Calcasieu Parish's composite risk score of 95.71 places it in the nation's highest-risk tier with a Relatively High rating. This score reflects extreme vulnerability across multiple hazard categories, particularly hurricanes (98.21) and tornadoes (95.58). Nationally, Calcasieu stands as one of the most disaster-exposed parishes in the United States.
Calcasieu is Louisiana's riskiest parish
At 95.71, Calcasieu's composite risk score drastically exceeds Louisiana's state average of 62.37—more than 50% higher. Calcasieu ranks as the highest-risk parish in Louisiana, far ahead of peers across the state. This extreme exposure positions Calcasieu residents and property at exceptional vulnerability statewide.
Calcasieu dominates regional risk rankings
Calcasieu's 95.71 score substantially exceeds neighboring Caddo Parish (92.62), making it the riskiest county in a particularly hazard-prone region. Cameron Parish (33.65) to the south presents dramatically lower composite risk, though it shares coastal hurricane exposure. Calcasieu's combination of inland tornado, wildfire, flood, and coastal hurricane threats creates uniquely severe multi-hazard exposure.
Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods threaten Calcasieu
Calcasieu's hurricane risk of 98.21 is among the nation's highest, paired with tornado risk of 95.58 and flood risk of 94.47. The parish sits in a corridor that funnels major hurricanes inland while remaining exposed to severe spring storms. This combination of coastal and inland storm threats creates extreme year-round hazard exposure.
Multiple insurance policies essential in Calcasieu
With hurricane risk at 98.21 and tornado risk at 95.58, flood insurance, windstorm coverage, and comprehensive homeowners insurance are all non-negotiable. Consider additional umbrella or excess liability coverage given the parish's exposure to catastrophic storms. Meet with an insurance agent immediately to ensure your home is protected across all major hazard categories.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Calcasieu Parish
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Calcasieu Parish
Risk Verdict
Calcasieu Parish's composite risk score ranks at the 96th percentile nationally, reflecting genuine multi-hazard exposure for residents. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Calcasieu Parish residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Calcasieu Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 96th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (94th percentile), wildfire (91th percentile), earthquake (65th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 98th percentile nationally, Calcasieu Parish sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Tornado at the 96th percentile nationally is Calcasieu Parish's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Calcasieu Parish households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
The Louisiana county average is 33.3 composite points below Calcasieu Parish's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Calcasieu Parish's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Calcasieu Parish, LA?
What types of natural hazards affect Calcasieu Parish?
How does Calcasieu Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Is Calcasieu Parish at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Calcasieu Parish higher risk than average?
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.