Cameron Parish Disaster Risk
Cameron Parish, Louisiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
34th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#50
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
85th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cameron Parish, Louisiana
Cameron's very low composite risk masks coastal exposure
Cameron Parish scores 33.65 on composite risk—a Very Low rating that might seem reassuring, but masks significant coastal hurricane (82.14) and wildfire (86.55) exposure. This paradox reflects how Cameron's extremely low tornado and earthquake risks offset its serious water and fire threats. Nationally, Cameron ranks as moderate-to-high risk when coastal factors dominate.
Cameron's risk profile is deceptively low statewide
At 33.65, Cameron scores well below Louisiana's state average of 62.37, ranking among the safest parishes overall. However, this masks Cameron's true vulnerability: its hurricane risk (82.14) and wildfire risk (86.55) are substantial by state standards. The Very Low composite rating obscures the parish's concentrated coastal and fire exposure.
Cameron safer overall, but faces unique threats
Cameron's 33.65 composite score is lower than Caddo (92.62) and Calcasieu (95.71), its western neighbors, but higher than Catahoula (17.02) and Caldwell (10.50). What sets Cameron apart is its geographic reality: it's Louisiana's most coastal parish, so its hurricane (82.14) and wildfire (86.55) risks dwarf inland peers. Residents face concentrated threats rather than diverse hazard exposure.
Hurricanes and wildfires dominate Cameron's threats
Cameron's hurricane risk of 82.14 and wildfire risk of 86.55 are among Louisiana's highest, reflecting the parish's position on the Gulf Coast. Flood risk (84.60) completes the water-related threat trio, driven by storm surge and heavy rainfall from tropical systems. For Cameron residents, coastal and fire threats are year-round concerns, not seasonal afterthoughts.
Coastal properties need comprehensive hurricane protection
Despite a low composite score, Cameron residents must prioritize hurricane and flood insurance—standard policies often exclude windstorm damage in coastal zones. Properties near wetlands or in fire-prone areas should verify wildfire coverage with their insurer. Meet with a coastal property specialist to ensure your home has adequate coverage for Cameron's specific coastal and fire risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cameron Parish
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cameron Parish
Risk Verdict
Cameron Parish sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 34th percentile nationally. Residents of Cameron Parish can use the 34th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Cameron Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 85th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (82th percentile), tornado (27th percentile), earthquake (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 87th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Cameron Parish households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 85th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Cameron Parish residents.
Regional Context
Cameron Parish falls 28.7 points below Louisiana's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Cameron Parish's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cameron Parish, LA?
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How does Cameron Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
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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.