Many Leaving Poor Air Quality Cities Encounter New Climate Risks

Between 2021 and 2022, a significant number of homeowners and renters moved out of U.S. cities with high air quality risks, while those with low risks saw an influx of new residents, according to Redfin. The migration patterns are influenced by climate hazards and affordability concerns.

Researchers at Redfin analyzed domestic migration data and air quality risk scores from First Street Foundation. They found that areas with high air quality risks, including many on the West Coast, are experiencing population declines, while Sunbelt states like Arizona, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee are seeing an increase in inbound moves.

However, the Sunbelt regions also pose different climate hazards such as high heat, flood, and hurricane risks. The trend of moving away from climate-related risks is noticeable, with some people unable to afford to move away from risky areas, according to experts.

Another significant factor driving relocation is flood risk. First Street Foundation noted a population decline in areas exposed to flooding between 2000 and 2020. About 35.5% of residents who left these areas cited flood risk as the reason for their move.

Additionally, poor air quality is prompting relocations, with over 85% of homes in 13 major cities highly exposed to it. Home prices in riskier metros are 65% higher than in low-risk metros, which is also contributing to the migration patterns.

Climate change is increasingly becoming a consideration for homebuyers, with about 83% of them considering at least one climate risk when shopping for a home, according to Zillow Group. As housing costs remain high, factors like affordability and job opportunities continue to be top priorities for buyers and renters.

Insurance costs are also expected to reflect climate risks, potentially impacting more areas as insurers reassess coverage. Insurers are already pulling back coverage in states like California, Texas, and Florida due to climate risks, which could extend to other regions as well.