<p>Natural disasters often magnify pre-existing socioeconomic disparities, underscoring the critical need to examine the underlying factors that contribute to unequal impacts across communities. This study analyzes the socioeconomic and demographic determinants of building damage severity during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Drawing on data from the Displaced New Orleans Residents Survey (DNORS), a multinomial logistic regression model is employed to estimate the likelihood of households experiencing varying levels of structural damage. The analysis identifies race, homeownership status, insurance coverage, employment status, household composition, and the presence of children as significant predictors of damage severity. These findings highlight the complex interplay between social vulnerability and disaster outcomes, revealing how structural inequalities shape exposure and recovery capacity. The study emphasizes the importance of equity-focused policy interventions that strengthen housing resilience, expand access to financial protections, and promote inclusive disaster preparedness. By incorporating these insights, policymakers can better support at-risk populations and advance community resilience in the face of future hazards.</p>