As Hurricane Helene’s devastating toll rises to at least 215 fatalities, with thousands still missing, homeowners across the country are taking a hard look at where they live and the risks they face.
More than 730,000 homes are without power more than a week after the storm, according to data from Realtor.com, prompting many Americans to consider safer ground for their next move.
The scale of extreme weather in 2024 is unprecedented. According to the report, natural disasters have caused more than $25 billion in damage nationwide this year. Climate change has led to a 20% increase in global flooding since 2000, while the area burned by wildfires in the US has increased by 320% since 1996.
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For homeowners seeking refuge from nature’s wrath, Realtor.com has identified the top 10 states with the lowest risk of extreme weather damage:
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Nevada leads the way with 90.6% of the lowest-risk homes, representing a real estate value of $440.4 billion.
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Nebraska follows at 90.2%, but with a lower total property value of $159 billion.
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Colorado ranks third at 89.5%, with more than $1 trillion in low-risk real estate value.
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Kansas claims fourth place, with 88.8% of homes in safe zones.
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Minnesota rounds out the top five with 88.5%.
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Iowa, Washington, Ohio, South Dakota and Missouri round out the list, all with more than 87% of homes in low-risk areas.
“Hurricanes pose significant challenges to homeowners, including property damage, increased financial costs, community recovery issues and emotional stress,” said Jiayi Xu, economist at Realtor.com. “Choosing properties in states with lower hurricane risk can help alleviate these concerns.”
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The impact of extreme weather extends beyond direct damage. Insurance premiums have skyrocketed in high-risk areas, with some Florida homeowners abandoning their coverage. Each region faces challenges: the West faces forest fires, while the South East faces floods. Cities like Austin, Baton Rouge and Coral Gables are experiencing extreme heat damage to property.
For those considering a move, Xu suggests using a real estate agent’s environmental risk scores to evaluate potential homes. “Potential homeowners can use these scores to identify safer locations before making their final decision,” she notes.
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The reality remains. According to data from insurance company Universal Property, Florida has experienced 120 hurricanes since 1851, 37 of which reached Category 3 or higher. Texas follows with 64 hurricanes, while North Carolina – surprisingly the most hurricane-prone state outside the Gulf Coast – has weathered 55.
As Helene recovery efforts continue, Florida is preparing for another hurricane, Milton, which could make landfall as early as Wednesday. Now it appears the broader conversation is shifting to long-term security and resilience. For many Americans, the next step may not just be about finding a home, but also about finding sanctuary.
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This article Hurricane Helene’s destruction sparks the quest for safety: 10 states where property is at the lowest risk originally appeared on Benzinga.com
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