Extreme weather and soaring costs are pushing American homeowners towards a major life decision, with a significant portion now actively planning to relocate in the coming year. A stark new survey highlights how climate concerns are fundamentally reshaping housing choices across the United States.
Survey Reveals Widespread Desire to Relocate
According to research published by insurance provider Kin Insurance on Monday, 5 January 2026, 49 percent of American homeowners are considering moving in 2026 due to climate-related events. The study, which surveyed 1,000 adults, underscores a profound shift in priorities.
"Climate is driving decisions about where people live and the rising costs of homeownership are changing when and how people buy homes," the report from Kin Insurance stated. The financial burden of owning a home, exacerbated by climate risks, is a key factor influencing these potential moves.
Homeowners Split on Moving Plans
Among those contemplating a move, the level of commitment varies. The survey found that 19 percent are "definitely" considering relocation, while a further 30 percent are "somewhat" considering it. In contrast, 45 percent of respondents said they were not planning to move.
For those looking to leave, distance is a major consideration. Kin broke down the intentions of potential movers into three clear groups:
- Moving within their current city or community: 41 percent
- Moving to a different city or community in their state: 35 percent
- Moving to another state: 25 percent
This means 60 percent of those considering a move would leave their current city or community, a trend observed after disasters like the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Kin noted that affected homeowners often resettled in neighbourhoods at least a half-hour's drive from their ruined properties.
Seeking Safety: The Flight from High-Risk States
The survey identified a clear pattern in interstate migration preferences. More than half of respondents looking to move to another state expressed a desire to avoid disaster-prone states like Florida and California.
Instead, they showed a preference for states perceived as lower-risk. The favoured destinations included:
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Delaware
- Connecticut
This shift indicates a growing awareness of geographic climate vulnerability influencing long-term settlement patterns.
Nearly Universal Fear of Extreme Weather Damage
The driving force behind this potential climate migration is a near-universal concern about property damage. The Kin survey found that 93 percent of American homeowners are worried about extreme weather damaging their homes over the next three years, specifically due to a changing climate.
These fears are intense, with the breakdown of concern levels as follows:
- Extremely concerned: 16 percent
- Very concerned: 33 percent
- Moderately concerned: 29 percent
- Slightly concerned: 15 percent
Furthermore, 68 percent of homeowners believe they will experience more extreme weather events in 2026 compared to the previous year. This anticipation of worsening conditions, coupled with the threat of higher insurance premiums and costly claims, is creating a powerful incentive for millions to consider starting anew in a safer location.
