The 20 Safest Places To Live To Avoid Natural Disaster

In the last 5 years, there have been 90 severe weather events and climate disasters, resulting in over $607 billion in costs and damages and more than 1,700 deaths, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NOAA). That’s just over one-fourth of all devastating events since 1980. Read another way, 25% of all weather and climate disasters to happen in 43 years have happened in the last 5 years.

As humankind experiences more and more devastating effects of climate change – including an increased intensity of various severe weather events – safety from natural disasters has become more top of mind, especially when looking for a place to put down roots.

Finding The Safest Places To Live To Avoid Natural Disaster

The team at BestPlaces.net used the following metrics to determine the places to live with the least chance of experiencing a natural disaster.

• Community resilience rating: The community’s ability to prepare for disaster, adapt to changes and withstand and recover from the event.
  
• Risk index for the following disasters compared to rest of U.S.:
  • Wildfires
  • Hurricanes
  • Stream and river flooding
  • Tornados
  • Extreme winter storms
  • Drought
  • Earthquakes
  • Extreme high temperatures
  • Hailstorms

Crime rate was not considered for this list as we focus on safety from natural occurrences. To provide a wider range of areas, we also filtered out any metro areas within a 50-mile radius of a higher-ranking area in the same state. Based on data curated and ranked by BestPlaces.net and Rocket Homes^SM, these are the best places to live for those who wish to avoid natural disasters.

The Midwest Region

With locations amongst plains and near numerous lakes, Midwestern states have a higher chance of experiencing tornados and lake effect snow, which tends to bring winter storms, extreme low temperatures and hail. However, the Midwest’s location in the middle of the country, away from the coast, is also beneficial in terms of avoiding hurricanes and coastal flooding.

1. Lima, Ohio

• Metro population: 102,351
• Community Resilience: Very High

Nestled in northwestern Ohio, Lima ranks in the top 5% of the country for a low chance of wildfire, flooding or drought. However, the city does rank in the bottom 20% of the country for avoiding hailstorms. While residents may be able to enjoy Lima’s more than 335 acres of parks and recreation areas year-round, they should pay close attention to the weather in spring and early autumn, when risk of these ice storms is the highest.

2. Weston, Wisconsin

• Metro population: 135,692
• Community Resilience: Relatively High

When it comes to a community’s ability to prepare for, withstand and recover from a natural disaster, the Weston metropolitan area stands ready – ranking in the top 10% of the country for its community resilience. Since this area has a higher risk for winter-related hazards, such preparation from homeowners may include better insulating the home, getting heat equipment inspected annually and stocking the home and car with snow removal equipment.

3. Duluth, Minnesota

• Metro population: 278,091
• Community Resilience: Relatively High

While Minnesota has had about 20 earthquakes recorded since 1860, they are rare. It’s no surprise, then, that the city of Duluth ranks in the top 1% of the country for its low chance of experiencing an earthquake. However, as it ranks in the top 4% of the country for the number of nearby forests and parks, it does have a slightly higher chance of wildfire than other Midwestern cities on this list.

4. Appleton, Wisconsin

• Metro population: 237,974
• Community Resilience: Very High

Appleton’s risk for flooding and drought are almost nonexistent. Still, the area does pose some risk for other issues, especially – like many Wisconsin cities – those related to winter weather. For example, it’s risk for a cold wave is higher than 90% of the U.S. Luckily, the community is poised for handling such extreme weather – it currently ranks in the top 5% of the country for its ability to prepare for and withstand such disruptions.

5. Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Metro population: 169,304
• Community Resilience: Very High

Recently named one of the best places to live on a $100,000 household income, Eau Claire has plenty to offer residents, including a sense of safety from earthquakes and hurricanes. The metro area ranks in the top 1% of the country for its low risk of these hazards. However, with two large lakes and two rivers within its boundaries, the area does have a slightly higher risk of flooding than other Midwest locations on this list.

The Northeast Region

Many climate experts predict the Northeast region of the U.S. to become wetter in the years to come, lowering the potential for drought. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, just over 82% of the region is not experiencing any type of dryness, and 0% of the region is experiencing anything worse than moderate drought – as of April 11, 2023. However, with many states along the east coast, experts do predict the chance of hurricanes to increase dramatically in the region in the coming years.

1. Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

• Metro population: 83,194
• Community Resilience: Very High

The only town in Pennsylvania and home to the state’s biggest cultural fair, Bloomsburg is the top place to avoid natural disaster in the Northeast region of the U.S. And residents of the town can worry the least about wildfires. Bloomsburg ranks in the top 3% of the country for its low risk of experiencing this type of disaster.

2. State College, Pennsylvania

• Metro population: 162,385
• Community Resilience: Relatively High

While Penn State University’s Climate Action Coalition and other climate-focused, student-led initiatives work to combat climate change, the campus and surrounding State College metro area stay relatively safe from most natural disasters influenced by it. Those events the area is most safe from include drought, wildfires and extreme temperatures. However, of all natural disasters assessed, the area has the highest risk for landslides. In fact, its risk index for landslides is greater than almost 85% of the rest of the country.

3. Glens Falls, New York

• Metro population: 125,148
• Community Resilience: Very High

Of the Northeastern metro areas on this list, Glens Falls has the lowest risk of extreme winter storms, which may include snow, sleet and/or freezing rain. The area ranks in the top 20% of the country for its low risk of harsh, damaging winter weather.

4. Altoona, Pennsylvania

• Metro population: 121,829
• Community Resilience: Very High

When it comes to community resiliency, Altoona residents may be more prepared for and/or recover more quickly from disaster than 85% of metro areas in the U.S. Of the disasters residents are likely to avoid, earthquakes and wildfires are amongst the least likely to occur.

5. Burlington, Vermont

• Metro population: 220,411
• Community Preparedness: Very High

Almost 70% of the U.S. has a higher chance of experiencing tornados than the Burlington metropolitan. Vermont’s most populous city, Burlington, is situated on the shores of Lake Champlain and is home to the University of Vermont and the state’s largest hospital.

The South Region

The Southern U.S. is known for its warmer temperatures and has much less risk for extreme winter storms. However, with many states located on the coast and some southwest states located in Tornado Alley, hurricanes and tornados pose some of the greatest risks for the region.

1. Morgantown, West Virginia

• Metro population: 139,044
• Community Resilience: Very High

Not only is Morgantown the safest place to avoid natural disaster in the southern region of the U.S., it’s also the second safest in the country. The city’s low risk of natural disaster isn’t the only thing that draws people to Morgantown; it’s also the area’s low cost of living. The metro is one of the best places to live in the country with a household income of $65,000.

2. Blacksburg, Virginia

• Metro population: 183,280
• Community Resilience: Relatively Moderate

While Blacksburg resides in the south, it ranks in the top 1% of the country for its low risk of extreme high temperatures. In fact, the average high during the summer months of June, July and August is about 81 degrees. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the record high for Blacksburg was 100 degrees, which happened in July of 1926 and 1952.

3. Parkersburg, West Virginia

• Metro population: 89,339
• Community Resilience: Very High

Of the top cities in the southern region, Parkersburg has one of the lowest risks for hazardous winter storm events, including blizzards. One of West Virginia’s most historic cities, it ranks in the top 15% of metro areas in the country for its low risk of such storms that bring snow, sleet or freezing rain.

4. Weirton, West Virginia

• Metro population: 116,074
• Community Resilience: Relatively Moderate

The Weirton-Steubenville metro area is technically located in two counties – Hancock and Brooke. Not only is its location unique, it’s also pretty safe from earthquakes. The metro area ranks in the top 5% of the country for its low risk of experiencing this type of catastrophe – which is good, considering it’s home to the Homer Laughlin China Company, maker of the colorful, world famous Fiesta glass dinnerware.

5. Lynchburg, Virginia

• Metro population: 236,566
• Community Resilience: Relatively High

Lynchburg has a lower risk for flooding than any other southern metro on this list – and 90% of any other metro in the country. Located at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and less than 200 miles from the nation’s capital, Lynchburg offers the community numerous parks, several universities and nearby access to the Appalachian Trail.

The West Region

Located close to the divide between the Pacific and North American Plates, the West has several fault lines – with the most in California. Because of this, the U.S. region is more prone to earthquakes. States bordering the Pacific west coast are also positioned within “the Ring of Fire,” a 24,900-mile path that features 75% of the Earth’s volcanos. Due to its unique location, the West is the only region in which volcanoes and tsunamis – resulting from earthquakes or volcanic activity – are more likely. However, its location also has its benefits. Unlike the tropical temperatures of the South, the cooler surface-level sea temperatures of the Pacific coast make it extremely difficult for hurricanes to form.

1. Anchorage, Alaska

• Metro population: 396,317
• Community Resilience: Relatively Moderate

Anchorage is the safest place to avoid natural disaster in the entire United States. It ranks in the top 1% of the country for its low risk of hurricanes, tornados, drought and cold or heat waves. It also has the lowest risk index rating for lightning, landslides and strong winds. However, there is one disaster risk that Anchorage residents may need to prepare for – earthquakes. The metro area’s risk index for this disaster is 98.4%. That means only 1.6% of the country has a higher risk of experiencing an earthquake than Anchorage.

2. Longview, Washington

• Metro population: 110,593
• Community Resilience: Relatively High

Seated along the Washington-Oregon border, Longview offers a rural lifestyle with a visit to major cities, like Tacoma and Portland, available in just under 2 hours. Among the well-kept parks and historic buildings and bridges, residents typically enjoy a life free of concern for such hazards as ice storms and strong wind events, like hurricanes and tornadoes. However, there is one hazard likely on the minds of Longview inhabitants. The city resides within 110 miles of three of the five active volcanos in Washington state and has a volcano risk index that’s greater than 92% of the country.

3. Mount Vernon, Washington

• Metro population: 129,205
• Community Resilience: Relatively High

At the county seat of Skagit County is Mount Vernon, the third safest place to avoid natural disaster in the West. The city is located less than 10 miles from Skagit Valley, where countless fields of tulips and daffodils paint the landscape with bright oranges, yellows and reds. Among the hazards reviewed, the area has the lowest risk for strong wind, hail and tornados. And while the risk is still low, it does have the highest risk for a tsunami over any other metro area on this list – with a risk index that’s greater than 52.7% of the country.

4. Bremerton, Washington

• Metro population: 271,473
• Community Resilience: Relatively High

Just an hour’s ferry ride from Seattle, Bremerton is a picturesque city on the Kitsap Peninsula. Residents and visitors alike can typically enjoy the downtown harbor, arts district and two championship golf courses without the threat of high wind, lightning and cold waves rolling in. In fact, almost 70% of the rest of the country has a higher risk for these events than Bremerton.

5. Lewiston, Idaho

• Metro population: 62,990
• Community Resilience: Relatively High

Lewiston’s risk of experiencing an earthquake is greater than 60.6% of the country. While that percentage seems high, it’s relatively low for cities located in the Western U.S. This is especially true when you compare the metro area with the other ranking cities in this region, which all sit in the 90th percentile for risk of quakes.

Summary: There Is Always Some Risk

Of all the U.S. cities, there’s no one place that has a 0% risk for all natural disasters. However, each area of the country has greater risk for some natural disasters over others. In a give and take, home buyers deciding where to live must consider what hazards they are comfortable risking for the location and home they desire. It is recommended to do research on the region and speak with a local real estate agent who knows the area well and can provide more information.

Methodology: Finding The Best Places To Avoid Natural Disaster

In this study, we uncover the metro areas which have the least risk of threatening natural disasters.

The places analyzed in our study include all 383 major metropolitan areas in the United States. These 383 metro areas are home to over 85% of the population of the United States. Metropolitan areas are particularly useful for our rankings because they include not only each area's major cities but also the surrounding counties which include the suburbs.

The team at BestPlaces.net collected and analyzed statistics in 10 key measures from the recently updated National Risk Index from FEMA. The National Risk Index is a data set and online tool developed to help illustrate and identify the United States communities most at risk for 17 natural hazards. It was designed and built by FEMA in close collaboration with various stakeholders and partners in academia; local, state and federal government; and private industry.

Each data metric is normalized and transformed to a common range of 0 – 100 points for scoring and comparison. Weights are applied to each metric which reflects its importance in the study. The weighted scores for each metric are summed to create the overall Best Places score for each place. The final scores are sorted to produce the final rankings.

All data for community resilience and risk index for the natural hazards mentioned in this article was sourced from the March 2023 National Risk Index (NRI) by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

Other statistics and sources were used in this study including the following: