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

Jackson Parish Disaster Risk

Jackson Parish, Louisiana

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

26th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#57

of 64 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

28th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 31% 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 48% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 65% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Jackson Parish, Louisiana

Jackson Parish: Well Below the Curve

Jackson Parish scores 26.18 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting far below the national median. This means your county faces significantly less overall natural disaster risk than most of the country, giving you a genuine advantage in hazard exposure.

Safest Parish in Louisiana

Among Louisiana's 64 parishes, Jackson Parish ranks among the very safest with a composite score of 26.18 compared to the state average of 62.37. Your parish's risk profile stands out as a genuine exception in a state historically vulnerable to major disasters.

Island of Stability in North Louisiana

Neighboring Lincoln Parish scores 64.34—more than double Jackson's risk level—and LaSalle Parish, another northern neighbor, scores 12.15. Jackson Parish sits in a relatively low-risk zone compared to parishes south and east toward coastal areas.

Watch for Hurricanes and Tornadoes

Hurricane risk (65.37) and tornado risk (62.63) are Jackson Parish's primary concerns, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk (27.58) stays minimal, reflecting your location away from coastal surge zones and major river systems.

Prioritize Wind and Tornado Coverage

While Jackson Parish enjoys lower overall risk, homeowners should maintain robust wind and hail insurance to handle tornado and hurricane damage. A standard homeowners policy typically covers wind, but verify your coverage limits and consider additional protection if your home is older or mobile.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Jackson Parish

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    65th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    63th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    48th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Jackson Parish

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Jackson Parish is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 26th percentile. At the 26th percentile nationally, Jackson Parish's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Jackson Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (48th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile), flood (28th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 65th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Jackson Parish is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Tornado at the 63th percentile nationally is Jackson Parish's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For Jackson Parish households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.

Regional Context

Jackson Parish is 36.2 composite risk points below the Louisiana state mean, meaning most other Louisiana counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Jackson 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 Jackson Parish, LA?
Jackson Parish has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 26th 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 Jackson Parish?
Jackson Parish is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (65th percentile), tornado (63th percentile), earthquake (48th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile), flooding (28th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 65th 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 Jackson Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Jackson Parish's composite risk percentile is 26th, compared to the Louisiana state average of 62th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Jackson Parish faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Louisiana.
Is Jackson Parish at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Jackson Parish's hurricane risk is at the 65th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Jackson Parish is at the 28th 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 Jackson Parish a safe place to live?
Jackson Parish's composite risk score of 26th 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 65th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Bienville Parish

Louisiana

+2.5

Very Low

29th percentile

Winn Parish

Louisiana

+3.4

Very Low

30th percentile

Grant Parish

Louisiana

+3.4

Very Low

30th percentile

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.

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