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

Tangipahoa Parish Disaster Risk

Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

93th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#9

of 64 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

91th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Moderate

Higher than 91% 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

Moderate

Higher than 90% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 65% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively High

Higher than 98% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Tangipahoa ranks well above national average

With a composite risk score of 93.32, Tangipahoa Parish faces significantly higher natural disaster risk than typical U.S. counties, rated "Relatively Moderate." The parish experiences intense exposure to hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding.

49% riskier than Louisiana average

Tangipahoa's 93.32 score substantially exceeds Louisiana's 62.37 state average, positioning it among the state's most hazard-exposed parishes. Only St. Tammany Parish (96.56) presents comparably high risk.

Second only to St. Tammany Parish

Tangipahoa Parish (93.32) ranks second-highest in disaster risk across Louisiana, surpassed only by St. Tammany (96.56) and exceeding St. Landry (88.20), St. Martin (87.28), and St. Mary (88.93). The parish sits well above lower-risk areas like Union (49.65).

Hurricanes and tornadoes lead threats

Hurricane risk scores 97.91—near the state's highest—while tornado risk of 90.24 creates a dual wind threat throughout the year. Flood risk of 91.22 adds substantial water danger, particularly during tropical systems.

Invest in comprehensive disaster coverage

Tangipahoa residents must carry homeowners insurance with explicit hurricane and tornado wind coverage, plus separate flood insurance to address the parish's 91.22 flood score. Consider a reinforced safe room given tornado risk of 90.24.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Tangipahoa Parish

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    98th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    91th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    90th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Tangipahoa Parish

Risk Verdict

Natural hazard risk in Tangipahoa Parish is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 93th. Tangipahoa Parish's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Tangipahoa Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 91th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (90th percentile), wildfire (78th percentile), earthquake (65th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 98th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Tangipahoa 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. Tangipahoa Parish's flood exposure at the 91th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For Tangipahoa 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

A composite score 31.0 points above the Louisiana state average puts Tangipahoa Parish in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Tangipahoa 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 Tangipahoa Parish, LA?
Tangipahoa Parish has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 93th 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 Tangipahoa Parish?
Tangipahoa Parish is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (98th percentile), flooding (91th percentile), tornado (90th percentile), wildfire (78th percentile), earthquake (65th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 98th 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 Tangipahoa Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Tangipahoa Parish's composite risk percentile is 93th, compared to the Louisiana state average of 62th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Tangipahoa Parish faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Louisiana.
Is Tangipahoa Parish at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Tangipahoa Parish's hurricane risk is at the 98th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Tangipahoa Parish is at the 91th 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.
Why is Tangipahoa Parish higher risk than average?
Tangipahoa Parish's composite risk score of 93th percentile is above the Louisiana state average of 62th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by hurricane exposure (98th percentile), along with flooding and tornado and wildfire and earthquake risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.