Contents
Which States Are Most Prone to Natural Disasters?
Whether you’re preparing to relocate to a new state or simply thinking about moving to one, don’t forget to consider the area’s susceptibility to natural disasters. The reason? As anyone who’s experienced mother nature’s fury can attest, natural disasters are a costly, stressful and devastating experience for all involved. When it comes to fires, tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods, some states are simply more prone to these catastrophic events than others. If you happen to live in a place vulnerable to natural disasters, you could end up paying the price.
For these reasons and more, a state’s susceptibility to natural disasters deserves careful thought and consideration before a move. Fortunately, if you do end up moving to a state prone to natural disasters, there are usually preventative steps you can take to protect your home and loved ones. Below, we’ve rounded up the 10 states most prone to natural disasters as well as information about what to consider if you are moving to a state vulnerable to disasters.
The 10 states most prone to natural disasters
Curious which states experience the most natural disasters? According to FEMA data, these are the states that have experienced the highest number of federally declared disasters since 1953:
- California
California has had 284 federally declared disasters since 1953, making it the most natural disaster-prone U.S. state in the country. The majority of incidences in California have been due to fires, floods and earthquakes. - Texas
Texas has had 255 federally declared disasters since 1953. Most natural disasters in the state have been due to fires, floods and hurricanes. - Oklahoma
Oklahoma has had 173 federally declared disasters since 1953. The majority of disasters in the state have been due to fires, severe storms and floods. - Washington
Washington has had 136 federally declared disasters since 1953. These declared disasters can be attributed to a large number of fires, floods and severe storms. - Florida
Florida has had 130 federally declared disasters since 1953. The majority of natural disasters in the Sunshine State have been due to fires, hurricanes and severe storms. - New York
New York has had 95 federally declared disasters since 1953. Most of these natural disasters have been due to severe storms, floods and snow. - New Mexico
New Mexico has had 83 federally declared disasters since 1953. Most of these declared disasters can be attributed to fires, floods and severe storms. - Alabama
Alabama has had 82 federally declared disasters since 1953. The majority of natural disasters in the state have been due to severe storms, hurricanes and floods. - Colorado
Colorado has had 80 federally declared disasters since 1953. Most natural disasters have been due to fires, floods and severe storms. - Oregon and Louisiana
Oregon and Louisiana are tied for 10 th place, with both states having had 79 federally declared disasters since 1953. The majority of natural disasters in Oregon have been due to fires, severe storms and floods. Most natural disasters in Louisiana have been due to floods, hurricanes and severe storms.
How do the other U.S. states stack up?
Below are the remaining U.S. states listed in order from most disaster-prone to least disaster-prone. Those looking to move somewhere that doesn’t experience a high number of natural disasters should consider making Idaho, Michigan, Utah, Maryland, Wyoming, Connecticut, South Carolina, Rhode Island or Delaware their new home. These states are the least disaster-prone, according to FEMA data.
Kentucky – 74 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Nevada – 73 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Mississippi – 72 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Arkansas – 71 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Kansas – 70 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Missouri – 69 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Tennessee – 69 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Montana – 68 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Arizona – 68 federally declared disasters since 1953.
West Virginia – 68 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Georgia – 65 federally declared disasters since 1953.
South Dakota – 64 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Virginia – 64 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Iowa – 63 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Nebraska – 62 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Minnesota – 60 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Illinois – 60 federally declared disasters since 1953.
North Carolina – 59 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Pennsylvania – 59 federally declared disasters since 1953.
North Dakota – 58 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Maine – 56 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Alaska – 55 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Ohio – 54 federally declared disasters since 1953.
New Jersey – 50 federally declared disasters since 1953.
New Hampshire – 49 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Indiana – 48 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Wisconsin – 47 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Massachusetts – 47 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Vermont – 45 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Hawaii – 45 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Idaho – 44 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Michigan – 37 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Utah – 34 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Maryland – 32 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Wyoming – 32 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Connecticut – 31 federally declared disasters since 1953.
South Carolina – 30 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Rhode Island – 22 federally declared disasters since 1953.
Delaware – 21 federally declared disasters since 1953.
What to consider if moving to a state prone to natural disasters
When moving to a natural disaster-prone state, there are several things you should consider:
- Common types of natural disasters in the state – What kind of natural disaster is most likely to happen in your new state? For example, are wildfires or hurricanes more common? Make sure to do thorough research on these natural disasters before the move to help prepare for potential problems.
- The type of home you buy – A home’s structural materials and build are an important consideration when moving to a disaster-prone state. For instance, if moving to a state prone to flooding or hurricanes, you may want to buy a home made of hurricane-proof materials and/or one that sits above the ground on stilts.
- Insurance options – Anyone moving to a disaster-prone state should absolutely purchase necessary insurance. Be sure to find a good insurance agent who can guide you through the process and help you purchase the right insurance for your situation.
Moving soon?
Preparing to move to a new state? For a customizable moving checklist, personal tasks list, email reminders and coupons to help you stay organized during a move, check out our move planner tool. Need help with the heavy lifting as well? To find a reliable interstate moving company, check Moving.com’s extensive network of movers. Our website makes it easy to find and book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.