Catahoula Parish Disaster Risk
Catahoula Parish, Louisiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
17th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#59
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
14th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana
Catahoula ranks among America's lowest-risk counties
Catahoula Parish's composite risk score of 17.02 places it among the nation's safest counties with a Very Low rating. This score reflects minimal exposure across most hazard categories, with only hurricane risk (74.01) reaching moderate levels. Nationally, Catahoula represents one of the most disaster-resilient parishes in the United States.
Catahoula is nearly three times safer than Louisiana average
At 17.02, Catahoula's composite risk score is 72% lower than Louisiana's state average of 62.37. Catahoula ranks among the state's lowest-risk parishes, substantially outpacing most Louisiana peers. This exceptional safety profile reflects the parish's inland location and limited exposure to major hazard types.
Catahoula safest in its immediate region
Catahoula's 17.02 score is substantially lower than nearby Concordia Parish (31.55), Claiborne Parish (41.73), and dramatically lower than Caddo Parish (92.62). Among its immediate region, Catahoula presents the most favorable risk profile by a wide margin. This makes Catahoula one of Louisiana's most disaster-resilient areas.
Hurricane risk Catahoula's primary seasonal concern
Catahoula's hurricane risk reaches 74.01—its dominant hazard, though moderate in absolute terms given the parish's inland location. Earthquake risk (39.85) and tornado risk (30.38) present minor threats, while flood risk (14.47) remains well-controlled. Seasonal hurricane preparedness addresses Catahoula's primary disaster exposure.
Basic coverage appropriate for Catahoula properties
Catahoula's very low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most properties. Flood insurance remains advisable given Louisiana's location, though Catahoula's flood risk (14.47) is among the state's lowest. Seasonal hurricane preparedness and basic emergency supplies round out reasonable protection for this exceptionally safe parish.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Catahoula Parish
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Catahoula Parish
Risk Verdict
Catahoula Parish's overall natural disaster score at the 17th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A 17th percentile score positions Catahoula Parish among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Catahoula Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 40th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (30th percentile), wildfire (18th percentile), flood (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 74th percentile nationally makes Catahoula Parish a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Catahoula Parish evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Earthquake at the 40th percentile nationally is Catahoula Parish's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Catahoula Parish residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Catahoula Parish's composite risk score sits 45.4 points below the Louisiana county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Catahoula Parish's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Catahoula Parish, LA?
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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.