With climate risks and high home insurance costs becoming a growing concern for homebuyers, Zillow has identified seven Midwest cities where homes face minimal threats from flooding, wildfires, wind, and other extreme weather events.

According to Zillow, fewer than 10% of new home listings in Cleveland, Columbus, and five other Midwest markets carry significant climate risks. Here’s why these cities make the list—and what buyers should know when evaluating climate risks in any town.

Which U.S. Cities Face the Lowest Climate Risk?

New home listings in key Midwest markets hold the lowest climate risk in the country, according to Zillow’s climate risk score, which evaluates how likely a property is to experience climate-related hazards over the next 30 years.

The website evaluated historical weather data involving five climate threats—floods, wildfires, wind, heat, and air quality—and found that while states like California, Florida, and Louisiana see a significant percentage of new listings classified as high-risk, seven Midwest cities remain largely insulated from these threats.

According to Zillow, fewer than 10% of new listings face a major climate-related risk in Cleveland, Columbus, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Detroit, and Kansas City, Mo.

These cities fared much better than the national average. Across all new U.S. listings, Zillow found that more than half (55.5%) faced a major risk of extreme heat, and about one-third faced a major risk of extreme wind exposure.

About 16.7%, 13%, and 12.8% of new listings faced major climate risks related to wildfires, air quality, and flooding, respectively.

Unlike many regions where multiple climate threats overlap, the Midwest benefits from natural geographic advantages that mitigate certain risks. Though it remains a hotspot for tornados, the Midwest’s cooler climate and distance from ocean coastlines make it less inclined to experience severe weather events such as heat waves and wildfires.

Why Climate Risk Matters for Homebuyers 

For buyers, climate risks can be costly in unexpected ways. High-risk homes often require additional insurance policies, face stricter lending requirements, and could see fluctuating property values.

Zillow’s research shows that over 80% of prospective homebuyers now factor climate risks into their decision-making, and for good reason. In 2024, only about $140 billion of the $320 billion of losses attributable to natural disasters were covered by insurers—meaning nearly 60% of losses were not.

If you’re considering a move, here’s what to keep in mind:

Do Your Research

Before you buy a home prone to adverse weather events, make sure you’ve done your research to understand the home’s condition and whether any safety upgrades—such as storm panels for flood protection—have been put in place.

A professional home inspection can help reveal issues you may have overlooked, especially in important areas such as drainage systems and the foundation.

Factor in Insurance Costs

Homes in high-risk areas often require flood, wildfire, or wind insurance that adds to your long-term expenses even if your home escapes disaster.

Check with your mortgage lender to see if the home comes with any additional requirements for insurance, and consider options outside of private providers. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, for example, offers flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, and some states also offer special types of insurance.

Consider Property Value

Long-term home value trends are increasingly tied to climate risk.

Historically, homebuyers have prioritized affordability and quality of life, leading to rapid growth in Sun Belt states like Florida and California. But, rising insurance costs and frequent natural disasters in these areas are changing migration patterns, pushing buyers toward regions with more climate stability.

As a result, properties in low-risk areas like the Midwest may see stronger demand and more stable long-term value, while homes in high-risk zones could become more expensive to insure and harder to sell.

The Bottom Line 

Climate risk is reshaping where Americans want to live and what they’re willing to pay for a home. If you’re looking to avoid these risks, Midwest cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Minneapolis are good options for your new home, according to research from Zillow.

These cities boast a lower exposure to floods, wildfires, and extreme heat than other parts of the country.

While no location is completely risk-free, understanding how climate risks affect insurance, home values, and long-term affordability will help you make a more informed homebuying decision—one that could save you money and give you peace of mind for decades to come.