St. Martin Parish Disaster Risk
St. Martin Parish, Louisiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
87th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#18
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana
St. Martin faces above-average disaster risk
St. Martin Parish's composite risk score of 87.28 places it well above typical U.S. disaster exposure levels with a "Relatively Moderate" rating. The parish confronts a concentrated threat from hurricanes and tornadoes that shape year-round preparedness needs.
39% riskier than Louisiana average
At 87.28, St. Martin Parish scores 39% higher than Louisiana's average of 62.37, ranking among the state's most hazard-exposed parishes. This elevated risk is driven primarily by intense hurricane and tornado threats unique to south Louisiana.
Part of high-risk southern cluster
St. Martin sits alongside St. Mary Parish (88.93) and St. Landry Parish (88.20) in a corridor of elevated risk in southern Louisiana. These three parishes consistently exceed state average risk by roughly 40%, distinguishing them from lower-risk areas like Tensas Parish (14.50).
Hurricanes and tornadoes drive threat
Hurricane risk reaches 96.12—among the highest in the state—while tornado risk of 89.50 creates a dual seasonal threat. Flooding at 87.00 compounds these risks, particularly during tropical systems that bring heavy rainfall to the region.
Prioritize flood and wind insurance
St. Martin residents must carry separate flood insurance on top of homeowners coverage, as standard policies exclude water damage. Hurricane-force wind coverage is essential given the parish's 96.12 hurricane score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in St. Martin Parish
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: St. Martin Parish
Risk Verdict
St. Martin Parish faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is St. Martin Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (87th percentile), earthquake (44th percentile), wildfire (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is St. Martin Parish's top-ranked natural hazard at the 96th percentile nationally. The most time-sensitive preparedness step is knowing the county's evacuation zone for your address — zone maps are published by the county emergency management office. St. Martin Parish's tornado exposure at the 90th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. St. Martin Parish's county emergency management office publishes official evacuation zone maps with zone-specific shelter locations; downloading this map and identifying your zone assignment is the single highest-value pre-season step.
Regional Context
St. Martin Parish's composite risk score sits 24.9 points above the Louisiana county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for St. Martin 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. Martin Parish, LA?
What types of natural hazards affect St. Martin Parish?
How does St. Martin Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Is St. Martin Parish at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is St. Martin 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.