When buying a home, there is much more to consider than just the asking price and the floor plan.
To rank the homeownership risk in America’s 170 most populous cities, Claim Guide used insurance-based factors. The assessment includes environmental risks, public safety issues, home age and condition, emergency service accessibility, and past natural disasters, all of which impact regional risk and homeowners’ insurance burdens.
Miami, Florida
Miami is highly susceptible to hurricanes and flooding. Approximately 55% of Miami’s housing is at risk of severe flooding within the next 30 years, and all homes are at risk of extreme heat. Miami’s location makes it prone to storm surges and heavy rainfall. Moreover, the city’s infrastructure struggles with rising sea levels, further increasing flood risks. The city also faces challenges with property crime, with a rate of 3,029 per 100,000 residents.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans faces extreme risks from flooding and hurricanes. Nearly 99% of homes are at risk of severe flooding within the next three decades. The city has invested in a $14.5 billion flood protection system, but the median age of homes (62 years) means individual risk for property damage remains high. The city also contends with high property crime rates, averaging 5,187 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles experiences frequent earthquakes, wildfires, and flooding. The city’s high population density and significant property values lead to substantial financial losses during natural disasters. Los Angeles ranks as the riskiest place for natural disasters on the National Risk Index (NRI). Additionally, LA had a property crime rate of 2,689 per 100,000 residents in 2023, which adds to the financial risks for homeowners.
Houston, Texas
Houston’s risk factors include hurricanes, flooding, and extreme heat. During the 2021 Texas winter storm, 91% of the city’s population lost power, and 65% lost access to water, illustrating the city’s vulnerability to severe weather. Houston also has a high property crime rate, with 4,329 incidents per 100,000 residents reported in 2023, making it one of the highest in the state.
San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino is at high risk for extreme heat and wildfires, with 100% of properties affected by heat and 91% in wildfire zones. The city’s location near the San Andreas Fault also poses significant earthquake risks. In addition to natural disasters, San Bernardino has a high property crime rate, with 3,924 incidents per 100,000 residents reported in 2023.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale faces severe flood and heat risks, with 79% of homes at risk of flooding within the next three decades and 100% of homes at risk of extreme heat. Additionally, a significant number of homes are unoccupied, increasing vulnerability to storm damage. The property crime rate is also high, at 3,911 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s severe winters, heavy snowfall, and ice storms can cause extensive property damage. The city also has a high property tax rate, adding financial strain to homeowners. Wind damage from cold fronts off Lake Michigan is a persistent risk. Chicago also faces significant crime challenges, with a property crime rate of 3,773 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023.
Oakland, California
Oakland is prone to earthquakes and wildfires, similar to Los Angeles. The city’s low community resilience exacerbates the impact of natural disasters, making recovery more challenging for residents. Oakland also struggles with a high property crime rate, with 6,629 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, one of the highest in the nation.
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg faces significant flooding and extreme heat risks, with nearly 47% of homes in danger of flooding within the next 30 years and 100% of homes at risk of extreme heat. The city also has a substantial property crime rate, with 3,909 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023. Additionally, the frequent tropical storms exacerbate the overall risk, making homeownership particularly precarious in this coastal city.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge, while less vulnerable to flooding (34% of homes at risk), faces extreme heat risks (100% of homes) and has a high property crime rate, with an average of 5,811.7 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it one of the highest crime rates among the riskiest cities. The city’s location along the Mississippi River also makes it susceptible to river flooding, further complicating homeownership risks.
San Diego, California
San Diego is at risk for wildfires and mudslides, particularly in areas with burned vegetation from wildfires. The city also faces significant risks from earthquakes, given its proximity to fault lines. San Diego’s property crime rate is 2,531 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023. The city’s coastal location also subjects it to potential sea-level rise and coastal erosion.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix faces extreme heat and water scarcity issues. The desert climate leads to high temperatures and limited water resources, increasing utility costs and the potential for water restrictions. The city also deals with a high property crime rate, with 4,031 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023. Additionally, the urban heat island effect exacerbates temperature extremes, making summers even more challenging for residents.
Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach, like its neighboring cities, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, is highly susceptible to hurricane damage and flooding. The rise in property values since the pandemic has increased the financial impact of natural disasters. Palm Beach also has a notable property crime rate, with 2,677 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023. The older housing stock further complicates disaster preparedness and recovery efforts.
Glendale, California
Glendale is one of the most at-risk areas for wildfire activity, with 99% of homes affected. The city has also declared the most FEMA natural disaster declarations among the top 10 riskiest cities. Glendale’s property crime rate is 2,603 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023. The city’s hilly terrain and dense vegetation make it particularly vulnerable to fast-spreading fires.
Compton, California
Compton faces significant risks from earthquakes and has poor infrastructure resilience, ranking near the bottom nationwide in hazard risk and vulnerable infrastructure. The city also struggles with a high property crime rate, with 3,598 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023. The high levels of social vulnerability in the area further complicate disaster response and recovery.
