Are you thinking about moving? Remember to take into account the climate threat that is pushing thousands out of major US metros

Americans vote with their moving trucks on flood risks. For the first time since 2019, more people have fled counties that experienced severe flooding than moved there last year, with nearly 30,000 people choosing safer ground on waterfront views, according to new data from Redfin.

Meanwhile, counties with low flood risk saw the largest influx of local movement since 2019, with just under 36,000 people moving into those areas compared to those moving out.

Counties winning and losing in flood displacement in America

Redfin tracked the movement of residents in and out of counties in the top 10% of flood risk, those where 23.7% to 99% of homes are at high risk of flood damage. Some counties are still enjoying net positive population growth due to international migration, but Redfin noted that trend may have slowed in the past year as the Trump administration pursued stricter border policies.

The counties with the 10 largest local displacements were spread across Florida, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, Virginia, and Alaska. The largest single migration came from Miami-Dade County, Florida, whose population declined by more than 67,000. Harris County, Texas, and Kings County, New York, which covers Houston and Brooklyn, respectively, had the next largest losses at about 30,000 each.

Hudson County, New Jersey, located just across the Hudson River from New York City, had the fourth-largest loss, with 12,735 people. The rest of the ten largest counties experienced net population inflows ranging from about 1,850 to 5,125: the counties surrounding New Orleans; St. Petersburg, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; As well as along the Texas-Mexico border.

Real estate agents in the designated areas told Redfin that climate risks are among several reasons some residents have moved out of those counties in recent years, along with politics, high housing costs and rising insurance premiums. A Miami-area agent told Redfin that in the past two years, annual homeowners insurance and flood insurance have risen to $6,700 and $1,250, respectively, from $2,000 and $400. Those high costs have turned away people who moved to Miami during the pandemic, the agent said.

Flood Zone Survival Guide

Here’s the expensive truth about flood zones: Regular homeowners insurance won’t save you. Standard policies cover burst pipes and roof leaks — but the moment water comes from outside your home, you’re on your own without separate flood insurance. Simply using the word “flood” in a home insurance claim can increase the likelihood of it being denied.

Previous surveys have shown that eight out of 10 Americans consider climate risks when they shop at home. However, a much smaller number said they were keen to look for a home in an area with lower climate risks, suggesting that some people are considering these risks, but are not breaking their deals.