Rapides Parish Disaster Risk
Rapides Parish, Louisiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
84th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
82th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Rapides Parish: Well Above National Average
Rapides Parish scores 84.29 with a Relatively Moderate rating, substantially exceeding the national average for composite risk. Residents face considerably higher natural disaster exposure than most Americans.
High-Risk Parish in Louisiana
Rapides Parish scores 84.29, ranking third-highest in Louisiana and 22 points above the state average of 62.37. It's among the state's most hazard-exposed communities, second only to Orleans and Ouachita parishes.
Riskiest in Central Louisiana Region
Rapides Parish's 84.29 score substantially exceeds nearby Pointe Coupee Parish (63.07) and Natchitoches Parish (56.39), making it a risk hotspot in central Louisiana. Only Ouachita Parish (87.50) carries higher exposure in the surrounding area.
Wildfire and Tornado Threats Mount
Wildfire risk reaches 78.02—substantially elevated—while tornado risk scores 68.70 and hurricane risk peaks at 90.61. Additional concerns include flood risk (82.22) and earthquake risk (73.66), creating a multi-hazard exposure profile.
Wildfire, Wind, and Flood Coverage Required
Rapides Parish residents should verify wildfire coverage (often excluded from standard policies) and ensure windstorm protection for tornado and hurricane damage. Flood insurance is critical given the 82.22 flood risk score, and home hardening measures addressing vegetation and defensible space are strongly advised.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rapides Parish
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rapides Parish
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 84th percentile, Rapides Parish sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Rapides Parish residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Rapides Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 82th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (78th percentile), earthquake (74th percentile), tornado (69th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 91th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Rapides Parish households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Flood at the 82th percentile nationally is Rapides Parish's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Rapides Parish households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
At 21.9 points above the Louisiana state average, Rapides Parish carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Louisiana county.
Is your household prepared for Rapides Parish's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rapides Parish, LA?
What types of natural hazards affect Rapides Parish?
How does Rapides Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Is Rapides Parish at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Rapides 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.