Natural Disaster Risk in Saint Joseph
Louisiana
Risk Summary for Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph scores 4.8/10 (Moderate risk), near 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
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Saint Joseph, Louisiana
Saint Joseph, in Tensas County, is a small community of about 1,369 situated in the Deep South. Its humid subtropical climate brings very hot summers, mild winters, and exceptionally high humidity, and in particular a lengthy hurricane and tropical storm season. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Saint Joseph residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Saint Joseph carries an overall risk score of 4.8/10, placing it in the moderate category. Drought is the leading natural hazard, with multi-year dry periods capable of depleting water supplies, devastating agriculture, and increasing wildfire risk across the region. The area also faces notable exposure to hurricane and hail.
Within Louisiana, Saint Joseph's risk is, slightly below the 6.1/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Tensas County identifies drought as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, Saint Joseph residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for drought is recommended.
What this means for Saint Joseph: Drought preparedness
- Follow local water-use restrictions, which may be enacted during severe drought conditions.
- 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.
Local Factors for Saint Joseph
These city-level factors differentiate Saint Joseph from other communities in Tensas County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,369
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Warm Subtropical
Latitude 32.0°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 1.8/10
Coordinates
31.9505° N, 91.3559° W
Tensas 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 Saint Joseph
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Saint Joseph
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.