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

Caldwell Parish Disaster Risk

Caldwell Parish, Louisiana

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

10th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#64

of 64 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

18th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 18% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 40% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana

Caldwell faces very low national disaster risk

Caldwell Parish's composite risk score of 10.50 places it among America's lowest-risk counties with a Very Low rating. This score reflects minimal exposure across most hazard categories, though hurricane risk (62.24) provides some seasonal threat. Nationally, Caldwell ranks as one of the safest parishes for most disaster types.

Caldwell is Louisiana's safest parish

At 10.50, Caldwell's composite risk score is dramatically below Louisiana's state average of 62.37—roughly 83% lower. Caldwell ranks among the lowest-risk parishes in Louisiana, offering residents substantially lower disaster exposure than most peers statewide. This exceptional safety profile reflects the parish's inland location and limited hazard exposure.

Caldwell far safer than surrounding parishes

Caldwell's 10.50 score is dramatically lower than nearby Catahoula Parish (17.02), Concordia Parish (31.55), and Caddo Parish (92.62). Among all adjacent parishes, Caldwell presents the most favorable risk profile by a substantial margin. This makes Caldwell one of Louisiana's most disaster-resilient areas.

Hurricane risk poses Caldwell's main seasonal threat

While Caldwell's overall risk is very low, hurricane risk reaches 62.24—the parish's most significant hazard, though still moderate in absolute terms. Tornado risk (39.89) and wildfire risk (25.99) present lesser but non-negligible threats during peak seasons. For most residents, seasonal hurricane preparedness covers the primary disaster exposure.

Standard coverage sufficient for Caldwell homes

Caldwell's very low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most properties. However, consider flood insurance given Louisiana's location, even though Caldwell's flood risk (17.62) is among the state's lowest. Seasonal hurricane preparedness and basic emergency supplies round out reasonable protection for this low-risk parish.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Caldwell Parish

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    62th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    40th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    28th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Caldwell Parish

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Caldwell Parish is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 10th percentile. Caldwell Parish residents can take confidence from a 10th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Caldwell Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 62th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 40th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (28th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile), flood (18th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 62th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Caldwell Parish is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Caldwell Parish's tornado exposure at the 40th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For Caldwell Parish households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.

Regional Context

Caldwell Parish is 51.9 composite risk points below the Louisiana state mean, meaning most other Louisiana counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Caldwell Parish's hazards?

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Caldwell Parish, LA?
Caldwell Parish has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 10th 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 Caldwell Parish?
Caldwell Parish is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (62th percentile), tornado (40th percentile), earthquake (28th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile), flooding (18th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 62th 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 Caldwell Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Caldwell Parish's composite risk percentile is 10th, compared to the Louisiana state average of 62th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Caldwell Parish faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Louisiana.
Is Caldwell Parish at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Caldwell Parish's hurricane risk is at the 62th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Caldwell Parish is at the 18th 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.
Is Caldwell Parish a safe place to live?
Caldwell Parish's composite risk score of 10th percentile is below the Louisiana state average of 62th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is hurricane at the 62th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.