What are the top 10 states that are most at risk for natural disasters?
In a study conducted by ValuePenguin, 10 states are left paying for more than 80% of the cost of natural disasters in the United States, with damage particularly concentrated along the Gulf Coast.
The report notes that 2020 is also on pace to be the year with the most federally declared disasters in history. At the end of April, 2020 was already ranked No. 2, with peak hurricane and wildfire season yet to come.
According to the report:
- The financial impact of natural disasters hits hardest in Texas, where annual costs have averaged $1,478 per household over the last five years.
- Disaster costs are highly concentrated in 10 states, which have footed the bill for 80% of total disaster costs since 2014.
- Hurricanes and flooding continue to be key causes, and wildfires made a bigger impact over the last five years than during the previous period.
- As a result of the coronavirus, 2020 is on pace to be the most disaster-heavy year ever. As of June 1, FEMA has declared more disasters this year than any other except 2011.
10 states most at risk for natural disasters:
- Texas
- Louisiana
- Florida
- California
- Colorado
- North Carolina
- Michigan
- New Mexico
- Nebraska
- Georgia
