Out of 36 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 36 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 173 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 8 |
Top 36 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lafourche | Louisiana | 31 | 0 | 2006 | 19/100 |
| 2 | Lafourche Parish | Louisiana | 31 | 0 | 2006 | 19/100 |
| 3 | Terrebonne Parish | Louisiana | 14 | 0 | 2009 | 19/100 |
| 4 | St. Charles Parish | Louisiana | 14 | 0 | 2009 | 14/100 |
| 5 | St. Mary Parish | Louisiana | 14 | 0 | 2009 | 14/100 |
| 6 | Terrebonne | Louisiana | 14 | 0 | 2009 | 14/100 |
| 7 | Orleans | Louisiana | 6 | 0 | 2018 | 4/100 |
| 8 | Assumption Parish | Louisiana | 5 | 0 | 2005 | 4/100 |
| 9 | Ascension Parish | Louisiana | 5 | 0 | 2005 | 4/100 |
| 10 | Assumption | Louisiana | 5 | 0 | 2005 | 4/100 |
| 11 | Lafayette Parish | Louisiana | 4 | 1 | 2024 | 39/100 |
| 12 | Jefferson | Louisiana | 4 | 1 | 2024 | 39/100 |
| 13 | Jefferson Parish | Louisiana | 4 | 1 | 2024 | 39/100 |
| 14 | Vermilion Parish | Louisiana | 2 | 0 | 2023 | 12/100 |
| 15 | Iberia | Louisiana | 2 | 0 | 2023 | 12/100 |
| 16 | Calcasieu | Louisiana | 2 | 1 | 2023 | 12/100 |
| 17 | Cameron Parish | Louisiana | 2 | 1 | 2023 | 12/100 |
| 18 | St. Tammany | Louisiana | 2 | 0 | 2017 | 2/100 |
| 19 | St. Tammany Parish | Louisiana | 2 | 0 | 2017 | 2/100 |
| 20 | Washington | Louisiana | 1 | 1 | 2005 | 10/100 |
| 21 | Vermilion | Louisiana | 1 | 0 | 2016 | 7/100 |
| 22 | West Baton Rouge | Louisiana | 1 | 0 | 2021 | 6/100 |
| 23 | Caddo Parish | Louisiana | 1 | 1 | 2016 | 5/100 |
| 24 | Caddo | Louisiana | 1 | 1 | 2016 | 5/100 |
| 25 | St. Landry | Louisiana | 1 | 0 | 2026 | 2/100 |
| 26 | St. Bernard | Louisiana | 1 | 0 | 2005 | 1/100 |
| 27 | St. Bernard Parish | Louisiana | 1 | 0 | 2005 | 1/100 |
| 28 | Iberville | Louisiana | 1 | 0 | 2007 | 1/100 |
| 29 | East Baton Rouge | Louisiana | 1 | 0 | 2011 | 0/100 |
| 30 | Iberia Parish | Louisiana | 0 | 0 | — | 12/100 |
| 31 | Natchitoches Parish | Louisiana | 0 | 0 | — | 7/100 |
| 32 | Iberville Parish | Louisiana | 0 | 0 | — | 6/100 |
| 33 | Acadia Parish | Louisiana | 0 | 0 | — | 6/100 |
| 34 | Pointe Coupee Parish | Louisiana | 0 | 0 | — | 6/100 |
| 35 | St. Landry Parish | Louisiana | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 36 | Plaquemines Parish | Louisiana | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Louisiana based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.