Columbus among best places to live to avoid climate disasters, Realtor.com finds
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio cities dominate a list compiled by Realtor.com of municipalities in the United States where homeowners face the lowest risk of climate disasters.
So far this year, natural disasters have caused more than $25 billion in damage, according to Realtor.com. A recent report by the website found that 44.8% of American homes are at risk of extreme weather exposure, including intense heat, wind, floods and wildfires.
Some cities are more affected by extreme weather than others. The real estate listings site compiled a list of the safest cities to live in the country based on the share of homes that face minimal or minor weather damage, using data from the nonprofit First Street Foundation. Ohio cities represented a majority of the list.
Columbus ranked at No. 4. Akron took the No. 1 spot, with Cleveland ranked at No. 2, Cincinnati at No. 5, Dayton at No. 6 and Toledo at No. 9. The full list can be found below:
- Akron, Ohio
- Cleveland
- Seattle
- Columbus, Ohio
- Cincinnati
- Dayton
- Indianapolis
- Pittsburgh
- Toledo, Ohio
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
Realtor.com found that Sun Belt states, such as Florida, Mississippi and Texas, are among the most disaster-prone spots in the country. The study noted local weather can impact a homeowner's wallet, from repairs to insurance rates. Mississippi’s home insurance rates are 30% above the national average and Florida’s are four times above the national average, according to the website.