Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · LA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 73th
Avoyelles Parish faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 73.0, 73th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and ice storm exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $20M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Avoyelles Parish at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 73.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 73rd national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 18.19 events per year; ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at High risk — $726K in expected annual loss and about 0.89 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 0.13 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $20M in expected annual loss for a population of 40K.
Beyond physical exposure, Avoyelles Parish has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Avoyelles Parish has received 42 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 21 for hurricane events and 7 for flood events. The most recent was Tropical Storm Arthur (tropical storm), declared in June 2026.
Among 64 Louisiana counties, Avoyelles Parish ranks #29 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 18.19 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | High | 0.89 / yr | $726K |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.13 / yr | $5M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 1.21 / yr | $3M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.71 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | High | 76.45 / yr | $518K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 11.42 / yr | $879K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.43 / yr | $406K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $192K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $28K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.86 / yr | $4M |
| Hail | Low | 1.83 / yr | $123K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $189 |
| Winter Weather | Low | 1.95 / yr | $18K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Avoyelles Parish has received 42 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Tropical Storm Arthur in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (21), Flood (7), Coastal Storm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Arthur |
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2024 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Francine |
| September 2021 | Coastal Storm | Tropical Storm Nicholas |
| August 2021 | Hurricane | Hurricane Ida |
| August 2021 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Ida |
| March 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| October 2020 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Zeta |
| October 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Delta |
Showing the 10 most recent of 42 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Avoyelles Parish?
Avoyelles Parish has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 73.0 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 73th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Avoyelles Parish?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $2M EAL), Ice Storm (High, $726K EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $5M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Avoyelles Parish compare to other Louisiana counties?
Avoyelles Parish ranks #29 of 64 Louisiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Avoyelles Parish had?
FEMA records 42 federal disaster declarations for Avoyelles Parish since 1965, most often 21 for hurricane events and 7 for flood events. The most recent was Tropical Storm Arthur, declared in June 2026.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Avoyelles Parish's $20M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.