Iberia Parish Disaster Risk
Iberia Parish, Louisiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
91th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
81th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% 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
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Iberia Parish, Louisiana
Iberia Parish faces severe national-level risk
Iberia Parish's composite risk score of 90.62 places it in the relatively-moderate category but ranks among the most hazard-exposed counties nationally. Extreme hurricane exposure (97.29) and elevated tornado risk (91.57) combine with substantial flooding (81.42) to create a severe multi-hazard environment. The parish sits in America's upper tier of disaster-prone locations.
Iberia ranks among Louisiana's highest-risk
At 90.62, Iberia Parish scores 28.2 points above Louisiana's state average of 62.37, making it one of the state's most hazardous regions. Only East Baton Rouge Parish (97.96) scores higher, with Iberia occupying a clear second-place position in statewide disaster risk. Residents face substantially greater threats than most Louisiana communities.
Second only to East Baton Rouge in risk
Iberia (90.62) trails only East Baton Rouge (97.96) but far outpaces every other nearby parish, including Iberville (73.73), East Feliciana (56.42), and Evangeline (75.92). Its hurricane exposure is among the state's highest and its tornado risk nearly rivals the highest-risk parishes. Iberia ranks unmistakably in Louisiana's most dangerous tier.
Hurricanes and tornadoes threaten relentlessly
Hurricanes dominate Iberia Parish's threat landscape at 97.29, nearly the highest possible score, while tornadoes add severe secondary risk at 91.57. Flooding (81.42) compounds these threats during tropical systems and heavy rainfall events. This trinity of hazards creates an exceptionally challenging disaster environment requiring year-round preparedness.
Comprehensive insurance is absolutely essential
Homeowners must carry full windstorm/hurricane insurance, flood insurance through NFIP (especially given coastal location), and maximum homeowners coverage to address tornado and wind damage. Hurricane shutters, roof reinforcement, and proper elevation for flood risk are critical physical investments. With Iberia's extreme exposure, maintaining 100% replacement-cost coverage is not optional—it's a survival necessity.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Iberia Parish
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Iberia Parish
Risk Verdict
Iberia Parish's overall risk score at the 91th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Iberia Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (81th percentile), earthquake (47th percentile), wildfire (29th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Iberia Parish ranks at the 97th 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. Iberia Parish's tornado exposure at the 92th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Iberia 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
Compared to other Louisiana counties, Iberia Parish runs 28.2 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Iberia Parish's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Iberia Parish, LA?
What types of natural hazards affect Iberia Parish?
How does Iberia Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Is Iberia Parish at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Iberia Parish higher risk than average?
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.