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

Claiborne Parish Disaster Risk

Claiborne Parish, Louisiana

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

42th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#45

of 64 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

35th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 35% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 29% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 63% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 49% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 70% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana

Claiborne faces very low national disaster risk

Claiborne Parish's composite risk score of 41.73 places it well below the national average with a Very Low rating. This score reflects moderate tornado exposure (62.98) offset by low flood (35.21) and wildfire (28.63) risks. Nationally, Claiborne ranks as a relatively safe parish with limited multi-hazard exposure.

Claiborne's risk is substantially below state average

At 41.73, Claiborne's composite risk score is 33% lower than Louisiana's state average of 62.37. Claiborne ranks among Louisiana's lower-risk parishes, providing residents with notably reduced disaster exposure compared to most statewide peers. This favorable profile reflects the parish's inland location and limited hazard concentration.

Claiborne safer than Caddo, riskier than Catahoula

Claiborne's 41.73 score falls between its neighbors: substantially lower than Caddo Parish (92.62) but higher than Catahoula Parish (17.02). Among the northern parish cluster, Claiborne presents mid-range risk, with tornado exposure exceeding most nearby counties. This moderate profile makes Claiborne an average-to-favorable location within its region.

Tornado risk Claiborne's primary hazard

Claiborne's tornado risk reaches 62.98—well above the parish average and its most significant threat during spring storm season. Hurricane risk (69.55) presents secondary seasonal exposure, while earthquake risk (48.76) remains moderate. Together, these three hazards account for most of Claiborne's disaster exposure.

Tornado coverage should complement standard insurance

Claiborne's tornado risk (62.98) means residents should ensure their homeowners policy covers wind damage from severe storms. Flood insurance remains advisable for properties in flood-prone areas, though Claiborne's overall flood risk (35.21) is moderate. Review your coverage during tornado season (March–June) to confirm adequate windstorm protection.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Claiborne Parish

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    70th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    63th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    49th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Claiborne Parish

Risk Verdict

Claiborne Parish carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 42th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Being ranked at the 42th percentile nationally is an advantage for Claiborne Parish — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Claiborne Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (49th percentile), flood (35th percentile), wildfire (29th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Claiborne Parish's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 70th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Claiborne Parish's tornado exposure at the 63th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Claiborne Parish storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.

Regional Context

Compared to the Louisiana county average, Claiborne Parish's composite score runs 20.6 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.

Is your household prepared for Claiborne 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 Claiborne Parish, LA?
Claiborne Parish has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 42th 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 Claiborne Parish?
Claiborne Parish is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (70th percentile), tornado (63th percentile), earthquake (49th percentile), flooding (35th percentile), wildfire (29th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 70th 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 Claiborne Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Claiborne Parish's composite risk percentile is 42th, compared to the Louisiana state average of 62th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Claiborne Parish faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Louisiana.
Is Claiborne Parish at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Claiborne Parish's hurricane risk is at the 70th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Claiborne Parish is at the 35th 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 Claiborne Parish a safe place to live?
Claiborne Parish's composite risk score of 42th 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 70th 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.