Richland Parish, Louisiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · LA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 37th
Richland Parish faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 36.7, 37th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Richland Parish carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 36.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 37th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. 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 Medium risk — $447K in expected annual loss and about 25.36 events per year; heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $715K in expected annual loss and about 19.47 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $177K in expected annual loss and about 1.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 20K.
Beyond physical exposure, Richland 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: Richland Parish has received 36 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 17 for hurricane events and 6 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in February 2026.
Among 64 Louisiana counties, Richland Parish ranks #46 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 25.36 / yr | $447K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 19.47 / yr | $715K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.00 / yr | $177K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.37 / yr | $685K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.48 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 3.25 / yr | $318K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.06 / yr | $265K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $324K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.95 / yr | $466K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.39 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Low | 67.83 / yr | $58K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $7K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $53 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 2.16 / yr | $5K |
| 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
Richland Parish has received 36 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Winter Storm in February 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (17), Flood (6), Severe Storm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| February 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 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 36 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Richland Parish?
Richland Parish has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 36.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 37th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Richland Parish?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $447K EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $715K EAL), Ice Storm (Medium, $177K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Richland Parish compare to other Louisiana counties?
Richland Parish ranks #46 of 64 Louisiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Richland Parish had?
FEMA records 36 federal disaster declarations for Richland Parish since 1965, most often 17 for hurricane events and 6 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, declared in February 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. Richland Parish's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.