St. Helena Parish Disaster Risk
St. Helena Parish, Louisiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
36th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#47
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
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana
St. Helena Below National Risk Average
St. Helena Parish scores 36.29, well below the national average for composite disaster risk, earning a very low rating. The parish benefits from lower flood and earthquake exposure but faces above-average hurricane (79.60) and tornado risks (69.18).
Among Safer Louisiana Parishes
St. Helena Parish ranks among Louisiana's lowest-risk counties with a composite score of 36.29, roughly 42% below the state average of 62.37. Only Red River, Richland, and a handful of other inland parishes score lower, reflecting St. Helena's inland position in eastern Louisiana.
Safer Than Southern Coastal Parishes
St. Helena Parish (36.29) performs similarly to nearby Richland Parish (36.67) but significantly outperforms southern parishes like St. James (71.02), St. Charles (85.05), and St. John the Baptist (81.52). The parish's upriver location and distance from the coast provide substantial natural protection.
Hurricane and Tornado Focus
St. Helena Parish's top hazards are hurricane risk (79.60) and tornado risk (69.18), both elevated but manageable compared to coastal parishes. Flood risk (34.96) and wildfire risk (53.31) present secondary but notable concerns during their respective seasons.
Standard Coverage Typically Sufficient
St. Helena residents should maintain homeowners insurance to cover wind and tornado damage, plus a separate flood policy for added protection. While the parish's overall risk is low, its location along inland waterways means flood awareness and evacuation planning remain prudent precautions.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in St. Helena Parish
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: St. Helena Parish
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in St. Helena Parish is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 36th percentile. The 36th percentile national ranking is one lens; St. Helena Parish residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is St. Helena Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (53th percentile), flood (35th percentile), earthquake (28th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 80th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, St. Helena 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 69th percentile nationally is St. Helena Parish's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For St. Helena 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
St. Helena Parish is 26.1 composite risk points below the Louisiana state mean, meaning most other Louisiana counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for St. Helena Parish's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in St. Helena Parish, LA?
What types of natural hazards affect St. Helena Parish?
How does St. Helena Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Is St. Helena Parish at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is St. Helena 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.