Workflow
Domestic Migration
icon
Search documents
Flood-Prone America Is Seeing More People Move Out Than In for the First Time Since 2019
Businesswire· 2025-11-06 13:30
Core Insights - Flood-prone areas in the U.S. are experiencing a net outflow of residents for the first time since 2019, with high-flood-risk counties losing 29,027 more residents than they gained last year [1][2][4] Migration Trends - Major cities in coastal Florida, Texas, New York, and Louisiana are significant contributors to the national net outflow, with Miami-Dade County seeing the largest net outflow of 67,418 residents [2][3] - Harris County, TX (Houston) and Kings County, NY (Brooklyn) follow with net outflows of 31,165 and 28,158 respectively [2] - The trend of outflows has accelerated in some counties, notably Miami, which saw its net outflow increase from 50,637 in 2023 to 67,418 in 2024 [3] Factors Influencing Migration - High housing costs, climate risks, rising insurance premiums, and political factors are driving residents away from flood-prone areas [5][6] - In Miami, insurance premiums have surged, with homeowner's insurance rising from less than $2,000 to $6,700 in two years, and flood insurance increasing from around $400 to $1,250 [6] Local Impacts - Pinellas County, FL, experienced its first net outflow in many years, exacerbated by Hurricane Helene, which caused an estimated $93 million in damage [7][8] - Harris County faces multiple climate risks, including extreme heat, with 100% of homes at risk, contributing to the outflow of residents [9][10] Population Dynamics - Despite domestic outflows, many flood-prone areas continue to see overall population growth due to immigration, with Miami-Dade County's population increasing by 2.3% in 2024 [15][16] - The influx of immigrants has been affected by stricter immigration enforcement, which may impact future population trends in these areas [16] Comparative Analysis - Among the 310 high-flood-risk counties analyzed, 132 saw more people move out than in, while 178 experienced net inflows, particularly in Texas and Florida [12] - St. Johns County, FL, and Fort Bend County, TX, reported the largest net inflows of 11,661 and 10,467 respectively, indicating that affordability may play a role in migration patterns [13][14]