Homeowners vs. Extreme Weather: Year-Over-Year Trends [2025]
As billion-dollar storms, floods, and wildfires become a staple of every season, extreme weather is no longer an outlier—it’s a defining challenge of modern homeownership. And yet, despite the mounting risks, many homeowners aren’t taking steps to prepare.
Our 2025 Extreme Weather Survey reveals a critical gap between rising climate threats and stagnant preparedness behaviors. By comparing year-over-year data with our 2024 Severe Weather Prep Report, we uncover key insights into how homeowners are adapting in the face of growing environmental volatility.
Key takeaways
- Preventative upgrades are slipping: Just 33% of homeowners made home improvements to reduce severe weather risks, down from 39% in 2024.
- Cost is a major roadblock: 21% of homeowners say cost is the main reason they haven’t made climate-related upgrades. Meanwhile, urgent repairs are taking priority: 46% spent over $5,000 on unexpected fixes in 2024, up from 36% the year prior.
- Flood risk awareness is low: Nearly half (47%) of homeowners haven’t explored tools like FEMA flood maps, and 21% are unaware they even exist. This is alarming, given that over 53 million Americans live in flood-risk zones.
- Climate concerns are reshaping home buying: While 73% of homeowners had regrets about their home purchase in 2024—often tied to surprise maintenance costs—more than half (54%) now list climate risk as a top factor when shopping for a home.
Homeowner preparedness stalls despite rising weather threats
Cost remains a major barrier to climate preparedness
Bridging the awareness gap for effective preparedness
Homebuyers weigh climate risk against affordability
- Low risk of severe weather events: 21%
- Energy efficiency and sustainability features: 14%
- Climate-resilient home design: 12%
- Access to a climate-resilient community or Homeowners Association: 7%
Insurance plays a critical role in climate resilience
Steps to help protect your home from extreme weather
- Regularly clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.
- Seal windows and doors to block drafts and leaks.
- Schedule a professional roof inspection to catch issues early.
- Improve drainage by regrading your yard.
- Extend downspouts away from the foundation to prevent water leaks.
- Plant native, drought-resistant vegetation.
- Trim trees and shrubs to help minimize fire and storm damage.
- Invest in an emergency fund for unexpected repair costs.
- Review your homeowners insurance coverage for severe weather events annually.
- Consider flood insurance if you live in or near a high-risk area.
- Learn about local hazards in your area using tools from FEMA, the Red Cross, and your local government.
- Stay ahead of seasonal weather by completing seasonal maintenance.
Methodology
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