Top States With Least Natural Disasters In 2023
If you are planning to move, you might want to know what are the states with least natural disasters. Have a detailed look. According to calculations by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the frequency of weather-related disasters has multiplied fivefold during the previous 50 years.
Author:Paolo ReynaReviewer:James PierceMay 31, 202324.8K Shares577.6K Views
If you are planning to move, you might want to know what are the states with least natural disasters. Have a detailed look. According to calculations by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the frequency of weather-related disasters has multiplied fivefold during the previous 50 years.
The good news is that, despite an increase in natural disasters, fewer people have died as a result of them, by a factor of two-thirds. However, it is anticipated that disaster-related economic losses will continue to climb.
People are becoming more aware of these environmental dangers while looking to buy a home. More than 60% of Millennials say they considered potential natural disasters when deciding where to live, and another 60% say they've thought about moving because of these worries.
Orchardlooked at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) statistics on declared crises in order to determine which states with least natural disasters and the most frequent natural disasters.
No state or area is completely safe from bad weather or other natural disasters. However, our research shows that some are more likely to be affected than others.
Natural Disaster
The phrase "natural disaster" refers to a broad category of hazardous meteorological conditions as well as other environmental dangers like earthquakes, volcanoes, and wildfires that represent a serious risk to people's lives, infrastructure, possessions, and security.
With such a broad definition, it might be challenging to distinguish between what counts as an extraordinary event and a disaster.
For the purposes of this study, we looked at disasters that were officially recognized by the government, meaning that the President had issued an emergency declaration and FEMA had responded.
It's important to keep in mind that these officially proclaimed disasters don't represent all the natural disaster hazards for any specific state on our list; rather, they represent the most extreme catastrophes tracked by FEMA.
States With Fewest Natural Disasters
Only 9 of the 185 declared emergencies, or less than 1%, happened in the states that have had the least natural disasters since 2021. This is a very low number.
Indiana
Since 1953, there have been just over 50 disasters in Hoosier State, with severe storms and floods being the most frequent. Indiana tops this list of the states with the fewest natural disasters, with an average of less than one declared disaster per year and no announced disasters since 2021.
Ohio
Ohio is next on this list of the states with the fewest natural disasters. It has only had 59 catastrophes officially recorded since 1953. Floods are the second most frequent of these, accounting for about half of the incidents.
However, Ohio is not immune to severe weather; from April through August, tornadoes are prevalent, and certain regions of the state receive more than 80 inches of snow annually. Despite this, the low frequency of proclaimed catastrophes may be attributed to Ohioans' readiness.
Wisconsin
Over 50 disasters have been officially proclaimed in Wisconsin over the course of history, the majority of which were severe storms and floods. The state has significantly gotten wetter since 1950, with a 17% increase in precipitation. Wisconsin has not seen a disaster since 2021, despite the state's near-and long-term outlook calling for catastrophic precipitation events.
Wyoming
Wyoming hasn't experienced a disaster since 2021, yet the state isn't completely safe. In Wyoming, there have been 38 declared disasters since 1953, including 22 fires, 6 floods, 3 severe storms, 2 tornadoes, and 5 other events.
Arkansas
There has only been one declared disaster in Bill Clinton's home state since 2021. But Arkansas is also frequently hit by powerful storms, such as tornadoes and even tropical storms like Hurricane Rita in 2005, which dumped up to six inches of rain, had wind gusts of over 50 mph, and knocked out electricity to more than 60,000 homes.
December 23, 2021: Severe storms and tornadoes in Arkansas
Delaware
Despite being a coastal state, Delaware has only experienced 25 declared disasters since 1953, making it susceptible to some tropical storms. Furthermore, the state has a temperate climate all year, making it a pleasant place to live.
Hurricane Ida leftovers in Delaware: October 24, 2021
Iowa
Since 1953, Iowa has declared 73 disasters; however, only one has occurred since 2021. The majority of the state's disasters have been caused by powerful storms and flooding.
February 23, 2022: Iowa Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes
Maine
Despite the fact that Maine's varied geography makes it susceptible to dangerous storms, coastal weather, fire, floods, and other hazards, the pine tree state has only had one disaster declared since 2021. The late-season winter storm brought heavy snowfall and rain.
Storm and Flooding in Maine on March 15, 2022
Maryland
In the history of Maryland, there have only been 37 proclaimed disasters. Floods, hurricanes, severe storms, and snowstorms are roughly equally responsible for these calamities. Despite being pummeled by tropical storm Isaias in 2021, the state has not experienced any additional emergencies since then.
Tropical Storm Isaias in Maryland on February 4, 2021
Michigan
Since 2000, there have been more extreme precipitation events (days with two inches or more of precipitation), with the previous two years seeing the highest number. Even though these terrible things have happened in the Great Lakes State, only 43 disasters have been recorded since 1953.
Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes in Michigan on July 15, 2021
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is renowned for its stunning fall foliage, which is followed by icy winters and copious amounts of snow. The state has only reported 57 disasters since 1953, the majority of which were caused by strong storms, demonstrating its resilience to natural disasters.
New Flooding and Severe Storm in New Hampshire on September 30, 2021
Pennsylvania
In the past 70 years, there have been 63 disasters in the Keystone State, with floods being to blame for about half of them. Geographically, Pennsylvania is susceptible to this kind of disaster, and climate change is expected to increase its frequency. Still, since Hurricane Ida in 2021, they have only had one proclaimed disaster.
Hurricane Ida remnants in Pennsylvania on September 10, 2021
South Carolina
Due to the probability of tropical storms and hurricanes due to its coastline, South Carolina declared an emergency for Hurricane Ian in 2022. There have only been 40 proclaimed emergencies in the state, nevertheless.
Hurricane Ian in South Carolina on September 29, 2022
Top 5 States With the Fewest Natural Disasters
People Also Ask
What State Has The Fewest Natural Disasters?
The states with the fewest natural disasters are Delaware, Massachusetts, and New Mexico. Each of these states has only had one natural disaster.
What Is The Best State To Live In To Avoid Natural Disasters?
The best states to reside in if you want to stay safe from natural disasters are New Mexico, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
What States Have No Tornadoes Or Hurricanes?
One of the states that are most protected against natural disasters is Montana, which has both the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Flooding does occur there, but it is typically safe from hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes.
Conclusion
When figuring out a state's natural disaster risk or states with least natural disasters, you should look at the types of natural disasters that usually happen there, the type of home you want to buy, and the insurance options that will cover these events and the damage they cause.
California, Texas, Oklahoma, Washington, Florida, New York, New Mexico, Alabama, Colorado, Oregon, and Louisiana are the states that are most vulnerable to natural disasters. You can avoid these states if you want to buy a house there.
Paolo Reyna
Author
James Pierce
Reviewer
Latest Articles
Popular Articles