Natural Disaster Risk in Lawtell
Louisiana
Risk Summary for Lawtell
Lawtell scores 7.4/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Drought.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Lawtell, Louisiana
Lawtell is a small unincorporated community in St. Landry County, in the Deep South. The area experiences very hot summers, mild winters, and exceptionally high humidity, with a lengthy hurricane and tropical storm season shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Lawtell.
FEMA rates Lawtell's composite natural disaster risk at 7.4 out of 10 — high risk. The area faces significant drought exposure, where below-average precipitation over extended periods strains water resources and drives secondary hazards like wildfire and crop failure. Residents should also account for lightning and hurricane risk in their preparedness planning.
Lawtell's risk score, slightly above the 6.1/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for St. Landry County, the highest-scoring are drought, lightning, and hurricane. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Lawtell's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for Lawtell: Drought preparedness
- Adopt water-efficient landscaping and fixtures to reduce strain during extended dry periods.
- Be aware that prolonged drought raises secondary risks including wildfire and foundation soil movement.
- Follow local water-use restrictions, which may be enacted during severe drought conditions.
Local Factors for Lawtell
These city-level factors differentiate Lawtell from other communities in St. Landry County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
34
RuralGeographic Zone
Gulf Coast
Hurricane, surge & flood risk
Climate Band
Warm Subtropical
Latitude 30.5°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 7.0/10
Coordinates
30.5157° N, 92.1897° W
St. Landry County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Lawtell
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Lawtell
Other cities in Louisiana
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.