Natural Disaster Risk in Starks

Natural Hazard Profile: Starks, Louisiana

Located in the Deep South in Calcasieu County, Starks is a small community of about 1,861. The humid subtropical climate that characterizes this part of Louisiana — marked by very hot summers, mild winters, and exceptionally high humidity — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Starks a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

FEMA rates Starks's composite natural disaster risk at 7.8 out of 10 — high risk. Hurricane and tropical storm exposure tops the local risk profile, with the community vulnerable to storm surge, high sustained winds, and flooding rainfall during the June–November season. Residents should also account for lightning and coastal flood risk in their preparedness planning.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Starks's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably above the 6.1/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by hurricane and lightning, as measured by FEMA across Calcasieu County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Starks residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for hurricane and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.