Natural Disaster Risk in St. Landry County

Natural Hazard Profile: St. Landry County, Louisiana

St. Landry County is located in the United States in Louisiana, home to roughly 82,428 residents. The county experiences very hot summers, mild winters, and exceptionally high humidity, with a lengthy hurricane and tropical storm season shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, St. Landry County carries an overall risk score of 7.4/10, placing it in the high category. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. The area also faces notable exposure to lightning and hurricane.

St. Landry County'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.

St. Landry County'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.