As the United States becomes increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters, many Americans seek safer places to call home. For most of the 20th century, the U.S. was primarily spared the expense of catastrophic natural disasters.1
While no state is entirely immune to nature’s fury, some regions have proven more resilient than others.
Whether you’re planning a move or simply curious about the safest corners of the country, these 17 U.S. states with the lowest natural disaster risk offer valuable insights into disaster resilience and preparedness.
1. Delaware
The First State is the safest from natural disasters. Delaware’s unique geography and climate contribute to its remarkably low-risk profile.
Its coastal location might seem counterintuitive for disaster safety, but its position protects it from many severe weather events.
While the state occasionally experiences flooding and nor’easters, these incidents are generally less frequent and less intense than those in other coastal regions.
The state’s high ranking in emergency health preparedness further bolsters its safety credentials.
2. Michigan
The Great Lakes State comes in second, boasting an impressive record of natural disaster resilience. The state’s diverse landscape, including forests, lakes, and prairies, is a natural buffer against extreme weather.
While Michigan does occasionally experience severe storms and flooding, particularly due to increasing precipitation levels, these events are generally less catastrophic than those experienced in more disaster-prone regions.
The state’s preparedness for winter weather also helps mitigate the impact of heavy snowfall and blizzards, common in the colder months. Moreover, Michigan has experienced the fewest natural disasters of any state.
3. Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s location in the Upper Midwest contributes significantly to its low risk of natural disasters. Wisconsin’s geography, surrounded by the Great Lakes, provides a natural shield against many severe weather events.
Despite occasional severe storms and flooding, Wisconsin’s events are generally less intense than those in more disaster-prone areas. The state’s commitment to disaster preparedness and its experience in handling winter weather contribute to its overall safety.
Wisconsin’s diverse landscape helps buffer against various types of extreme weather, making it a relatively stable environment in the face of climate change.
4. Ohio
The Buckeye State rounds out our top four, having managed to avoid many severe natural disasters that plague other parts of the country.
Despite its proximity to Tornado Alley, Ohio experiences significantly fewer tornadoes than states further west. The state’s preparedness for extreme weather may contribute to its low disaster declaration rate.
While Ohio does face occasional blizzards and heavy snowfall, particularly in its northern regions, these events are generally manageable and rarely result in widespread catastrophes.
5. Rhode Island
The Ocean State may be small, but it stands tall in terms of natural disaster safety. Its compact size and strategic location in the Northeast help shield it from many severe weather events.
While Rhode Island’s coastal areas can be vulnerable to hurricanes and nor’easters, the state’s robust emergency preparedness measures help mitigate potential impacts.
The state’s geography protects against many inland disasters like tornadoes and wildfires. Rhode Island’s climate resilience and disaster preparedness commitment contribute to its safety profile.
6. Indiana
The Hoosier State stands out as a haven from natural disasters. Indiana’s central location in the Midwest shields it from many severe weather events that plague coastal regions.
While the state does experience occasional severe storms and flooding, these incidents are generally less frequent and less intense than those in other parts of the country.
Indiana’s geography plays a crucial role in its relative safety. The state’s flat terrain and distance from major fault lines minimize the risk of earthquakes and landslides.
Additionally, Indiana’s emergency preparedness measures have improved significantly over the years, contributing to its ability to manage and mitigate the impact of natural disasters when they do occur.
7. Minnesota
The Land of 10,000 Lakes may be known for its frigid winters, but it’s also gaining recognition for its low natural disaster risk. Minneapolis-St. Paul is considered one of the safest places to live in terms of natural catastrophes.
While Minnesota has experienced some tornadoes and flooding in recent years, these events are generally less severe than those in other parts of the country.
Minnesota’s location in the Upper Midwest helps shield it from hurricanes and earthquakes.
With a diverse landscape of forests, prairies, and lakes, Minnesota offers a relatively stable environment for those seeking to minimize their exposure to nature’s wrath.
8. Maryland
The Old Line State may be small, but it packs a punch regarding natural disaster safety. Maryland is generally safe from severe natural disasters, with storms and blizzards being the most common events.
While the state can experience occasional flooding, these incidents are typically less frequent and less serious than those in other parts of the country.
Maryland’s location along the East Coast helps protect it from the full force of hurricanes that often batter states further south. The state’s geography also provides natural defenses against inland disasters like tornadoes and wildfires.
Maryland’s proactive approach to emergency management and robust infrastructure contribute to its overall resilience to natural hazards.
9. Maine
The Pine Tree State, situated at the northernmost tip of the East Coast, is far enough north to avoid the worst hurricanes that plague the rest of the Atlantic seaboard.
While Maine can experience intense snow events and summer storms, including thunder, lightning, and flooding, these incidents are manageable and rarely result in widespread devastation.
Maine’s rugged coastline and dense forests provide natural barriers against severe weather.
The state’s relatively low population density also helps minimize the human impact of natural disasters when they do occur.
10. Colorado
Known for its stunning mountain vistas and pristine forests, Colorado is a nature lover’s paradise and a haven from many types of natural disasters. Threats such as hurricanes, earthquakes, droughts, and tornadoes are minimal in the Centennial State. However, wildfires can be a significant concern, particularly during dry seasons.
Colorado’s diverse geography helps mitigate the impact of severe weather events. The state’s high elevation and distance from coastal areas provide protection against hurricanes and tsunamis.
While Colorado does experience occasional flooding and severe storms, these incidents are generally less catastrophic than those in more disaster-prone regions.
The state’s emphasis on wildfire prevention and management helps reduce the risk of large-scale conflagrations.
11. New Hampshire
The Granite State, nestled in the heart of New England, is known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history. However, New Hampshire is also making a name for itself as one of the safest states in terms of natural disasters.
The state’s inland location helps shield it from the brunt of coastal storms and hurricanes. Its mountainous terrain and dense forests also provide natural protection against many types of severe weather.
While New Hampshire does experience heavy snowfall and occasional flooding, these events are manageable and rarely result in widespread damage.
12. Pennsylvania
The Keystone State, with its diverse landscape ranging from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coastal plain, has demonstrated remarkable resilience to natural disasters.
The state’s geography makes it vulnerable to flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and along rivers. However, the state’s proactive approach to flood management, including robust infrastructure and early warning systems, helps mitigate the impact of these events.
Pennsylvania’s inland location also provides some protection against coastal storms and hurricanes.
While the state does experience occasional severe storms and winter weather, these incidents are generally less devastating than those in more disaster-prone regions.
13. Iowa
The Hawkeye State, known for its rolling prairies and thriving agricultural industry, has also earned a reputation for its relative safety from natural disasters.
Iowa’s location in the heart of the Midwest helps insulate it from many of the more severe natural disasters that affect coastal regions.
While the state does experience occasional tornadoes and severe storms, these events are generally less frequent and less intense than those in neighboring states.
Iowa’s commitment to disaster preparedness and robust emergency response systems contribute to its overall resilience to natural hazards.
14. Illinois
The Land of Lincoln rounds out our list, showcasing its resilience against natural disasters. The state’s central location in the Midwest helps shield it from many severe weather events that plague coastal regions.
While Illinois does experience occasional tornadoes and flooding, particularly along its major rivers, these incidents are generally less frequent and less intense than in other parts of the country.
The state’s diverse landscape, ranging from urban centers to rural farmland, helps distribute the risk and impact of natural disasters across the state.
15. West Virginia
Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia offers a picturesque escape from the perils of natural disasters.
The state’s rugged terrain and inland location help shield it from the worst of coastal storms and hurricanes.
While the state does experience occasional flooding due to its numerous rivers and streams, these events are generally less catastrophic than those in more disaster-prone regions.
West Virginia’s commitment to emergency preparedness and close-knit communities contribute to its overall resilience to natural hazards.
16. Alaska
Alaska, the Last Frontier, may be known for its rugged wilderness and extreme weather conditions, but it’s also one of the safest states regarding natural disasters.
While Alaska does face unique challenges, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and extreme cold, the state’s low population density and robust emergency response systems help mitigate the impact of these events.
Alaska’s remote location and self-reliant communities also contribute to its overall resilience in the face of natural hazards.
With its stunning natural beauty and relative safety from disasters, Alaska remains an attractive destination for those seeking a truly wild and adventurous lifestyle.
17. Montana
Montana, the Big Sky Country, rounds out the list of the 17 safest states from natural disasters. The state’s diverse landscape, ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains, helps distribute the risk and impact of natural disasters across the state.
While Montana does occasionally experience severe storms, floods, and wildfires, these events are generally less frequent and less intense than those in more disaster-prone regions.
Montana’s strong sense of community, self-reliance, and preparedness contribute to its ability to withstand and recover from natural hazards.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
