Washington Parish Disaster Risk
Washington Parish, Louisiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
86th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
79th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington Parish, Louisiana
Washington ranks among nation's riskiest
With a composite risk score of 85.53, Washington Parish faces relatively moderate risk that exceeds most American counties. The parish's hurricane risk score of 95.91 places it among the most vulnerable communities in the nation to major tropical storms.
Louisiana's highest-risk parish overall
Washington Parish leads all 64 Louisiana parishes with a composite risk score of 85.53, far exceeding the state average of 62.37. The parish sits at the intersection of multiple hazard zones—coastal hurricane exposure, significant flood vulnerability, and elevated wildfire and tornado risk.
Significantly riskier than east-bank peers
Washington's risk profile substantially exceeds neighboring St. Tammany and St. Helena parishes, primarily due to elevated hurricane (95.91) and wildfire (80.03) scores. The parish's eastern location exposes it to Gulf storm surge paths that neighboring parishes experience less intensely.
Hurricanes and wildfires pose dual threats
Washington faces critical hurricane risk (95.91) and elevated wildfire risk (80.03), creating complex preparation challenges across two distinct seasons. Flood risk of 78.98 compounds exposure during storm events, and tornado risk of 71.63 requires year-round vigilance.
Multi-layered insurance strategy vital
Washington residents need comprehensive hurricane preparation including structural reinforcement and separate flood insurance, given scores exceeding 78 for both hazards. Review your homeowners policy annually, maintain emergency supplies, and create an evacuation plan—this parish faces the state's most complex disaster landscape.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington Parish
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington Parish
Risk Verdict
At the 86th percentile nationally, Washington Parish sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Washington Parish residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Washington Parish's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (79th percentile), tornado (72th percentile), earthquake (55th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 96th percentile nationally, Washington Parish sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Washington Parish's wildfire exposure at the 80th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Washington Parish households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
The Louisiana county average is 23.2 composite points below Washington Parish's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Washington Parish's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington Parish, LA?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington Parish?
How does Washington Parish risk compare to the Louisiana average?
Is Washington Parish at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.