FEMA expects about as much hazard damage per building in La Monte as in the typical U.S. town, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, La Monte gets a B− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 54% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (78%), then tornadoes (10%). Flood insurance has paid 3 claims here since 2014.
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 La Monte 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
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 La Monte’s grade
River and rain flooding is 78% of the building damage FEMA expects in La Monte, and La Monte’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 66% of U.S. census tracts. Winter storms add 1%, at a rate in the top 3% of U.S. census tracts.
B− higher expected damage per building than 54% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of La Monte’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $677K a year in losses across La Monte: $376K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does La Monte flood? Rarely: 3 flood claims since 2014
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in La Monte, from FEMA’s records: 7.0 per 1,000 homes, more than 67% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
La Monte isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Pettis County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to La Monte
Disasters that paid out in La Monte itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of La Monte), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2011Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm$2K to the City of La Monte for repairs
- 2006Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding2 households applied for aid$2K aid approved
Pettis County has had 16 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of La Monte after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the La Monte archive →Get ready for what La Monte 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.
- 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 La Monte
Is La Monte at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, La Monte has higher expected damage per building than 54% of U.S. towns: B− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (78%) and tornadoes (10%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does La Monte flood?
Flood insurance has paid 3 claims in La Monte since 2014, $43K in all, or 7.0 per 1,000 homes, more than 67% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is La Monte 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 Pettis County, 0.2% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in La Monte?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for La Monte’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 La Monte?
By FEMA money that reached La Monte, Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm (2011): $2K to the City of La Monte for repairs.
Is La Monte at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (78%), and La Monte’s rate for it is higher than 66% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in La Monte.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where La Monte’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.