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

Vermilion Parish Disaster Risk

Vermilion Parish, Louisiana

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

85th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#21

of 64 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

80th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 80% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 44% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 30% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 34% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively High

Higher than 95% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana

Vermilion faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 84.76, Vermilion Parish ranks in the relatively moderate risk category—significantly higher than the national average. The parish faces particular vulnerability to hurricanes, where its score of 95.37 places it among the highest-risk areas in the country for major storm impacts.

Second-riskiest parish in Louisiana

Vermilion's composite score of 84.76 ranks it second among Louisiana's 64 parishes, trailing only Washington Parish. With a state average of 62.37, Vermilion faces significantly elevated risk compared to most neighboring communities.

More vulnerable than surrounding parishes

Vermilion's risk profile stands out sharply against nearby Acadia and Cameron parishes, which have substantially lower composite scores. The parish's hurricane risk score of 95.37 is notably elevated compared to inland Louisiana neighbors, reflecting its Gulf Coast proximity.

Hurricane and flood risks dominate

Vermilion's most pressing threats are hurricanes (95.37) and flooding (79.55), reflecting the parish's exposed Gulf location and low-lying terrain. Tornado risk is comparatively lower at 29.90, but residents should still prepare for multiple hazard types during severe weather seasons.

Comprehensive coverage essential here

Homeowners in Vermilion should prioritize hurricane and flood insurance given scores exceeding 79 for both hazards. Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage—contact your insurer today about separate flood coverage and wind mitigation improvements.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Vermilion Parish

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    95th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    80th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    44th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Vermilion Parish

Risk Verdict

Vermilion Parish faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 85th 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 Vermilion Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (44th percentile), earthquake (34th percentile), tornado (30th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Hurricane risk is Vermilion Parish's top-ranked natural hazard at the 95th 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. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 80th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Vermilion Parish independent of hurricane season. Vermilion 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

Vermilion Parish's composite risk score sits 22.4 points above the Louisiana county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Vermilion 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 Vermilion Parish, LA?
Vermilion Parish has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 85th 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 Vermilion Parish?
Vermilion Parish is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (95th percentile), flooding (80th percentile), wildfire (44th percentile), earthquake (34th percentile), tornado (30th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 95th 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 Vermilion Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Vermilion Parish's composite risk percentile is 85th, compared to the Louisiana state average of 62th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Vermilion Parish faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Louisiana.
Is Vermilion Parish at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Vermilion Parish's hurricane risk is at the 95th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Vermilion Parish is at the 80th 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 Vermilion Parish higher risk than average?
Vermilion Parish's composite risk score of 85th percentile is above the Louisiana state average of 62th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by hurricane exposure (95th percentile), along with flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

St. Charles Parish

Louisiana

+0.3

Relatively Moderate

85th percentile

Rapides Parish

Louisiana

-0.5

Relatively Moderate

84th percentile

Washington Parish

Louisiana

+0.8

Relatively Moderate

86th 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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