These Metros Are at the Most Extreme Risk of Natural Disasters
When it comes to affordability, homebuyers have more to think about than the listing price. Rising insurance premiums and repair costs have become a greater challenge for homebuyers across the housing market, especially as natural disasters have become more prevalent. According to property data provider Cotality, 180,000 single-family homes in the U.S. face extreme property risk from three natural hazards at the same time.
These metros are the most at-risk
New Orleans, Houston, and Baton Rouge, La., are facing the most extreme risk. In New Orleans, there are 29,317 extreme-risk homes, equating to 6.8% of the metro’s housing stock. The metro is at risk from hurricane wind, inland flooding, and hurricane flooding.
Likewise, in Houston, 23,602 single-family homes are at risk of inland flooding, hurricane wind risk, and fire following an earthquake. In Baton Rouge, La., 14,984 are also at risk of inland flooding, hurricane wind, and fire following an earthquake.
These metros round out the top 10:
- Lafayette, La., with 11,498 homes at extreme risk;
- Houma, La., with 6,680 homes at extreme risk;
- Beaumont, Texas, with 6,161 homes at extreme risk;
- Opelousas, La., with 5,934 homes at extreme risk;
- Alexandria, La., with 5,785 homes at extreme risk;
- Tampa, Fla., with 4,626 homes at extreme risk; and
- Lake Charles, La., with 4,440 homes at extreme risk.
