Photo: Rivers Langley; SaveRivers · CC BY-SA 3.0Less hazard damage per building is expected in LaGrange than in 78% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, LaGrange gets an A− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns, #88 of 264 in Georgia. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (70%), then tornadoes (14%). Flood insurance has paid 27 claims here since 1982.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What stands out about LaGrange’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What LaGrange faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Tornadoes
Hurricanes
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind LaGrange’s grade
River and rain flooding is 70% of the building damage FEMA expects in LaGrange, and LaGrange’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 67% of U.S. census tracts. Next is tornadoes at 14% (higher than 78% of U.S. census tracts).
A− #88 of 264 in Georgia; lower expected damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns (21,298).
LaGrange’s residents live in 12 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Georgia town has lower expected damage than 72% of U.S. towns; within the state, LaGrange has less expected damage per building than 67% of Georgia towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $6.9M a year in losses across LaGrange: $5.3M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does LaGrange flood? Sometimes: 27 flood claims since 1982
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in LaGrange, from FEMA’s records: 1.9 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 63% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Early winter storms9 claims · $172K
LaGrange isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Troup County.3 federal disasters brought FEMA money to LaGrange
Disasters that paid out in LaGrange itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of LaGrange), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2023Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes555 households applied for aid$87K aid approved$422K to the City of LaGrange for repairs2 flood claims paid that year
- 2015Severe Storms and Flooding$104K to the City of LaGrange for repairs9 flood claims paid that year
- 2011Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Associated Flooding172 households applied for aid$145K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
Troup County has had 10 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then hurricanes and tropical storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of LaGrange after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the LaGrange archive →Get ready for what LaGrange faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- The season runs June through November and peaks from mid-August to mid-October.
- Bring in porch furniture and anything the wind can throw.
- Fill the gas tank and charge phones before the storm arrives.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in LaGrange
Is LaGrange at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, LaGrange has lower expected damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns: A− for hazard risk, #88 of 264 in Georgia. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (70%) and tornadoes (14%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does LaGrange flood?
Flood insurance has paid 27 claims in LaGrange since 1982, $619K in all, or 1.9 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 63% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 5 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Early winter storms (9).
Is LaGrange in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Troup County, 12% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.2% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in LaGrange?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for LaGrange’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in LaGrange?
By FEMA money that reached LaGrange, Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes (2023): 555 households applied for aid, $87K approved, and $422K to the City of LaGrange for repairs. By flood claims, Early winter storms: 9 paid, $172K.
Is LaGrange at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (70%), and LaGrange’s rate for it is lower than 67% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in LaGrange.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where LaGrange’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.