West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · LA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 32th
West Baton Rouge Parish faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 31.8, 32th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $13M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in West Baton Rouge Parish is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 31.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 32nd 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.
Risk here concentrates in hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.20 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 21.16 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.95 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $13M in expected annual loss for a population of 27K.
Beyond physical exposure, West Baton Rouge Parish has a very low 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). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: West Baton Rouge Parish has received 38 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 22 for hurricane events and 4 for coastal storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 64 Louisiana counties, West Baton Rouge Parish ranks #52 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.20 / yr | $3M |
| Drought | Medium | 21.16 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 0.95 / yr | $3M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.17 / yr | $3M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 14.79 / yr | $724K |
| Lightning | Low | 87.04 / yr | $213K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.50 / yr | $51K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $111K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.17 / yr | $329K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.53 / yr | $43K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $22 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 1.21 / yr | $6K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
West Baton Rouge Parish has received 38 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (22), Coastal Storm (4), Flood (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| January 2021 | Hurricane | Hurricane Zeta |
| October 2020 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Zeta |
| October 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Delta |
Showing the 10 most recent of 38 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for West Baton Rouge Parish?
West Baton Rouge Parish has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 31.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 32th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in West Baton Rouge Parish?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $3M EAL), Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does West Baton Rouge Parish compare to other Louisiana counties?
West Baton Rouge Parish ranks #52 of 64 Louisiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has West Baton Rouge Parish had?
FEMA records 38 federal disaster declarations for West Baton Rouge Parish since 1965, most often 22 for hurricane events and 4 for coastal storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, declared in January 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. West Baton Rouge Parish's $13M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.