Report
Coastal Flood Risk Across the U.S.
Read the full report: Coastal Flood Risk Across the U.S.
Download the data: Coastal Flood Exposure Analysis
Key Facts
As sea levels rise, flooding is becoming more common along U.S. coasts, where 29% of the population lives.
Climate Central’s Coastal Risk Finder provides maps and analysis of the people, homes, and land at risk from worsening coastal flooding driven by rising seas in the contiguous United States. This report summarizes the projected risk in 2050 from a severe coastal flood. Projections assume pledged commitments to reduce global carbon pollution are met, based on the pollution pathway SSP2-4.5.
Key findings include:
Approximately 2.5 million Americans in 1.4 million homes live in areas at risk from a severe coastal flood in 2050 under this pollution pathway.
Florida, New York, and New Jersey have the highest numbers of people and homes in areas at risk.
New York City has the most people currently living in areas at risk of a severe flood in 2050 — an estimated 271,000 people.
Older adults are disproportionately exposed to coastal flood risk. Nearly 540,000 people aged 65 and older live in at-risk areas.
Data
Related Climate Matters: New U.S. Coastal Risk Map and Analysis