Shifts in population and housing affordability after Louisiana’s 2016 floods

The floods of 2016 in Louisiana were catastrophic, causing widespread damage and displacement.This event was particularly troublesome because many of the areas affected were not classified as "high-risk" flood zones, which meant that most homeowners in those areas did not carry flood insurance.The proposed study examines housing affordability and the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of populations impacted by disasters such as this one, offering valuable insights for local parishes regarding potential fluctuations in tax revenue and broader economic stability.By analyzing shifts in population trends and property value before and after the 2016 floods, the research aims to help policymakers and community planners better understand how recurrent flood events reshape local communities.A key priority of this study is to support the long-term sustainability and resilience of communities; therefore, a secondary goal is to identify areas that showed extreme changes in terms of people moving in or moving out.Recognizing these areas is essential for planning resilient infrastructure and ensuring the appropriate allocation of resources in future disasters.