At a Glance
- The list is from real estate data analysis firm CoreLogic.
- It takes into account risk from wildfires, inland flooding, severe thunderstorms, winter storms, earthquakes and hurricanes.
- Factors vary in every "best place to live" list.
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Where's the best place to live to avoid natural disasters?
Head west, according to a new list from real estate data analysis firm CoreLogic.
A handful of counties in New Mexico, Utah and Colorado top the firm's list of "safest places to live" in terms of natural disasters.
The analysis looked at the current risk of wildfires, inland flooding, severe thunderstorms, winter storms, earthquakes and hurricanes for 154 million properties across the United States.
It doesn't take into account some more specific climate-related risks, such as stress on water systems due to drought or the kind of extreme heat waves that are becoming more common in parts of the West.
(MORE: Satellites Show Global Warming Is Causing Intense Drought And Rain Events, Study Says)
The top 10 counties considered by the analysis to currently be the safest from the six disaster risk factors are:
10. San Miguel County, Colorado
9. Mesa County, Colorado
8. Uintah County, Utah
7. Saguache County, Colorado
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6. Pondera County, Montana
5. Summit County, Colorado
4. Emery County, Utah
3. Conejos County, Colorado
2. duch*esne County, Utah
1. McKinley County, New Mexico
A second list compiled by the firm looks ahead 30 years and assumes progressively worse impacts from climate change. In that scenario, the list changes a bit. McKinley County, New Mexico, remains at the top but the rest shifts to, in order: Conejos County, Colorado; Summit County, Colorado; duch*esne County, Utah; Saguache County, Colorado; Spokane County, Washington; Emery County, Utah; Eagle County, Colorado; San Juan County, Colorado; and Chaffee County, Colorado.
The CoreLogic list is just one of many similar "best places to live" compilations, and the factors considered vary widely.
(MORE: How Climate Change Is Making Allergy Season Worse)
In 2021, U.S. News and World Report analyzed resiliency data from the Environmental Protection Agency and found that the top five most climate-resilient cities in the U.S. were Anchorage, Alaska; Honolulu; Spokane, Washington; Eugene, Oregon; and Santa Barbara, California.
Conversely, when it comes to climate change risk, a report released in February by Moody's Analytics listed San Francisco, New York City and Phoenix as some of the most vulnerable major cities in the U.S.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
As a seasoned expert in environmental risk analysis and real estate trends, I've delved deep into the intricate realm of natural disasters and their impact on the desirability of living locations. My extensive background in this field enables me to dissect and interpret data, providing insights that transcend mere surface-level observations.
The recent article discussing the "safest places to live" based on a list from CoreLogic aligns with my area of expertise. CoreLogic, a reputable real estate data analysis firm, has scrutinized multiple factors, including the risk of wildfires, inland flooding, severe thunderstorms, winter storms, earthquakes, and hurricanes. The analysis, encompassing a staggering 154 million properties across the United States, delivers a nuanced understanding of the current natural disaster risks associated with different regions.
Let's break down the key concepts used in the article:
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Risk Factors Considered:
- Wildfires: This includes the probability and severity of wildfires in a given area.
- Inland Flooding: The analysis assesses the risk of flooding from rivers, lakes, or other inland water sources.
- Severe Thunderstorms: Factors such as frequency and intensity of severe thunderstorms are considered.
- Winter Storms: The susceptibility of an area to winter-related hazards, such as snowstorms and ice events.
- Earthquakes: The seismic activity and earthquake risk in a particular location.
- Hurricanes: The likelihood of hurricanes affecting the area.
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Top 10 Counties (Current Risk):
- The article provides a list of counties considered to be the safest from the six disaster risk factors. Notably, counties in New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Montana dominate the list.
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Future Projections (Climate Change Impact):
- The analysis also considers a forward-looking perspective, projecting 30 years into the future. In this scenario, the impact of climate change is factored in. McKinley County, New Mexico, remains at the top, but other counties shift in their rankings based on anticipated worsening impacts.
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Comparison with Other Lists:
- The article mentions that the CoreLogic list is just one among many similar "best places to live" compilations. It highlights the variability in factors considered by different analyses.
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Other Perspectives:
- The article references U.S. News and World Report's analysis of climate-resilient cities and Moody's Analytics' report on climate change risk for major cities. These perspectives offer a broader context and demonstrate the diverse criteria used in evaluating the suitability of living locations.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of assessing the safety of living locations concerning natural disasters. The interplay of various risk factors and the consideration of future climate change impacts underscore the complexity of this analysis, making it imperative for individuals and policymakers to take a multifaceted approach when deciding where to reside.
