NYU’s Institute for Public Knowledge created an Atlas of Disaster and Accountability, highlighting disaster counts and FEMA funds for each state.
From 2011 to 2013, California had thirty-four federal disasters, including wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, and storms. Tennessee and Oklahoma followed with twenty-eight and twenty-seven disasters, respectively. Nevada had the fewest, with only four.
Despite having the most disasters, California is the fourth most expensive state, receiving over $5 billion in FEMA aid. New York, not in the top 10 for disasters, received $17 billion. Florida got over $8 billion, and Louisiana received $6 billion of the $60 billion FEMA fund.
The atlas excludes the COVID pandemic, droughts, heat waves, and accidents as they aren’t considered national disasters. It focuses on natural disasters impacting insurance rates and real estate.
Housing in high-risk disaster areas tends to be less in demand, while insurance rates usually rise after a disaster, especially if the area remains at risk.