De Soto Parish Disaster Risk
De Soto Parish, Louisiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
42th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
46th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in De Soto Parish, Louisiana
De Soto faces very low national disaster risk
De Soto Parish's composite risk score of 42.02 places it well below the national average with a Very Low rating. This score reflects moderate tornado exposure (50.00) and wildfire risk (55.47) offset by low earthquake (42.27) and flood (46.25) risks. Nationally, De Soto ranks as a relatively safe parish with limited extreme hazard exposure.
De Soto's risk is substantially below state average
At 42.02, De Soto's composite risk score is 33% lower than Louisiana's state average of 62.37. De Soto ranks among Louisiana's lower-risk parishes, providing residents with notably reduced disaster exposure compared to most statewide peers. This favorable profile reflects De Soto's inland location and limited hazard concentration.
De Soto safer than Caddo, comparable to Claiborne
De Soto's 42.02 score substantially lowers than Caddo Parish (92.62) but similar to nearby Claiborne Parish (41.73). Among northern parishes, De Soto presents moderate-to-favorable risk, with wildfire exposure (55.47) being its distinguishing characteristic. This profile makes De Soto a reasonably safe location within its region.
Wildfire and tornado risks shape De Soto's exposure
De Soto's wildfire risk reaches 55.47—its most significant threat—while tornado risk (50.00) presents equally important seasonal exposure during spring months. Hurricane risk (67.38) adds secondary seasonal threat, though De Soto's inland location limits coastal storm surge. Together, these three hazards drive most of De Soto's disaster exposure.
Wildfire and wind coverage essential for De Soto
De Soto's wildfire risk (55.47) means property owners should verify coverage for fire damage and maintain defensible space around structures. Ensure your homeowners policy covers wind damage from tornadoes and severe storms, given tornado risk (50.00) during spring. Review coverage annually and consider additional protection if your property is near forested areas or fire-prone zones.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in De Soto Parish
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: De Soto Parish
Risk Verdict
At the 42th percentile nationally, De Soto Parish experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. The 42th percentile national ranking is one lens; De Soto Parish residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is De Soto Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (50th percentile), flood (46th percentile), earthquake (42th percentile).
Preparedness Context
De Soto Parish ranks at the 67th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Wildfire at the 55th percentile nationally is De Soto Parish's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For extended post-storm outages common in De Soto Parish's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
A composite score 20.4 points below the Louisiana state average puts De Soto Parish in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for De Soto Parish's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in De Soto Parish, LA?
What types of natural hazards affect De Soto Parish?
How does De Soto Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Is De Soto Parish at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is De Soto Parish a safe place to live?
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.