Hurricane Helene's Destruction Sparks Search For Safety: 10 States Where Property Is At The Lowest Risk

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.

According to data issued by Realtor.com, more than 730,000 homes remain without power over a week after the storm, prompting many Americans to consider safer ground for their next move.

The scope of 2024’s extreme weather has been unprecedented. According to the report, natural disasters have inflicted over $25 billion in damage nationwide just this year. Climate change has driven a 20% increase in global floods since 2000, while U.S. wildfire-burned acreage has surged 320% since 1996.

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For homeowners seeking refuge from nature’s fury, Realtor.com identified the top 10 states with the lowest risk of extreme weather damage:

1. Nevada leads with 90.6% of homes at the lowest risk, representing $440.4 billion in property value.
2. Nebraska follows at 90.2%, though with a lower total property value of $159 billion.
3. Colorado ranks third at 89.5%, with over $1 trillion in low-risk property value.
4. Kansas claims fourth place, with 88.8% of homes in safe zones.
5. Minnesota rounds out the top five at 88.5%.

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Iowa, Washington, Ohio, South Dakota, and Missouri complete the list, all with over 87% of homes in low-risk areas.

“Hurricanes present substantial challenges for homeowners, including property damage, increased financial costs, community recovery issues, and emotional stress,” said Realtor.com economist Jiayi Xu. “Opting for a property in states with a lower hurricane risk can help alleviate these concerns.”

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The impact of extreme weather extends beyond immediate damage. Insurance premiums have skyrocketed in high-risk areas, with some Florida homeowners abandoning coverage. Each region faces challenges: the West battles wildfires while the Southeast contends with floods. Cities like Austin, Baton Rouge, and Coral Gables grapple with extreme heat damage to properties.

For those contemplating relocation, Xu suggests using a Realtor's environmental risk scores to evaluate potential homes. "Prospective 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 issued by insurance company Universal Property, Florida has endured 120 hurricanes since 1851, with 37 reaching 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 recovery efforts from Helene continue, Florida is preparing for another hurricane, Milton, which could make landfall as early as Wednesday. Now, it seems the broader conversation is shifting to long-term safety and resilience. For many Americans, the next move might not just be about finding a home but finding a haven.

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