Many Americans say climate change is a factor in their decision to relocate, according to a new survey by Redfin. About half of the respondents who plan to move in the next year said extreme temperatures and/or the increasing frequency or intensity of natural disasters were a consideration in their move.
Out of the 2,000 people surveyed, 628 planned on moving in the next year. People aged 35-44 were most likely to say that natural disasters, extreme temperatures and/or rising sea levels played a role in their decision to move, followed by those aged 25-34. Respondents aged 45 or older were less likely to say that those factors affected their decision to relocate.
“Climate change is making certain parts of the country less desirable to live in,” Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather said in a release. “As Americans leave places that are frequently on fire or at risk of going underwater, the destinations that don’t face those risks will become increasingly competitive and expensive for homebuyers.”
Nearly 80 percent of all 2,000 respondents said that increasing frequency or intensity of natural disasters would make them hesitant to buy a home in an area. A slightly lower share—about three-quarters—would be hesitant to buy a home in a place with extreme temperatures and/or rising sea levels.
About a quarter (24 percent) of respondents said they wouldn’t consider moving to an area with extreme temperatures, even if it were more affordable than a comparable area without such risk, while 28 percent said they wouldn’t consider an area with natural disasters even if it was cheaper, and 30 percent wouldn’t consider areas with rising sea levels.
Respondents in the Midwest were the least likely to cite climate-change risks as a reason to move, according to the survey.
According to the survey, one in five Americans (21 percent) believe the increasing frequency or intensity of natural disasters, extreme temperatures and/or rising sea levels are hurting home values in their area.