Rising sea levels could put 2 million homes literally underwater — these 11 states have the most at risk
Flickr/JohnPickenPhoto
A new analysis from Zillow has estimated that if sea levels rise as much as climate scientists predict they will by 2100, nearly two million coastal US homes will be lost.
New research published in Nature found that sea levels could rise six feet by 2100, nearly twice as high as previous expectations, according to the Zillow press release. If this happens, nearly 300 US cities would lose at least half their homes, and 36 US cities would be wiped out completely.
"As we move through this century, homeowners will have to consider another factor when it comes to their homes – whether rising sea levels have any impact on them," said Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Svenja Gudell. "It's easy to think about how the ocean levels can affect the coasts in an abstract sense, but this analysis shows the real impact it will have on nearly two million homeowners - and most likely more by the time we reach 2100 - who could lose their homes."
Using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Zillow identified which homes would be affected by a six-foot ocean rise. The endangered homes represent almost two percent of the national housing stock, the Zillow analysis found, and are worth a combined total of $882 billion.
Below are the 11 states that have the largest numbers of homes that could be literally underwater by 2100.
11. California
Shutterstock/Jon BilousNumber of homes at risk: 42,353
Percent of homes at risk: 0.4%
Total value of homes at risk: $49.2 billion
Median value of at-risk home: $891,269
Data from Zillow
10. Virginia
Patrickneil / Wikimedia CommonsNumber of homes at risk: 46,287
Percent of homes at risk: 1.8%
Total value of homes at risk: $14.4 billion
Median value of at-risk home: $252,985
Data from Zillow
9. Texas
TruliaNumber of homes at risk: 46,804
Percent of homes at risk: 0.6%
Total value of homes at risk: $12 billion
Median value of at-risk home: $195,029
Data from Zillow
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