The Top 10 ‘Most Disaster Prone’ U.S. States

A new study by iSharingSoft ranked the top ten states that have been most impacted by natural disasters using a comprehensive methodology based on key metrics. The analysis evaluated the frequency of various disaster types, including wildfire counts (2003-2023), severe storms, hurricanes, and floods. Economic impacts were assessed through average annual disaster costs, 2024 disaster costs, and the number of natural disasters causing $1B+ in damages from 1980-2023. Additionally, the disaster rate per 1 million residents was calculated to account for population differences. A composite score was then generated ranking the states based on their vulnerability and exposure to natural disasters.

State	Wildfire count (2003-2023)	Severe storms (2003-2023)	Hurricanes (2003-2023)	Floods (2003-2023)	Avg disaster costs	Disaster costs 2024	Natural Disasters Causing $1B+ in Damage (1980-2023)	Disaster rate per 1M people	Score
Texas	136	8	15	7	$9.4B	$20.9B	1	8.23	96.97
Florida	18	12	34	1	$9.1B	$2.1B	20	5.66	77.86
California	246	16	1	7	$3.5B	<$5M	29	7.3	73.73
Louisiana	0	7	24	9	$7.1B	$1B	12	17.33	73.42
North Dakota	0	17	0	13	$0.8B	<$5M	45	73.52	67.49
Oklahoma	93	37	1	3	$1B	$1.3B	5	42.32	61.76
Vermont	0	19	3	7	$0.1B	$0.1B	47	69.46	61.44
Alaska	14	18	0	7	$0.1B	<$5M	49	74.98	61.24
South Dakota	13	25	0	6	$0.5B	$0.2B	37	68.91	61.1
Washington	101	14	0	7	$0.2B	$0.8B	36	17.34	59.45

Texas takes the first rank with a composite score of 96.97, leading in both the number of natural disasters and their financial toll. In 2024 alone, Texas faced the highest disaster costs of any state, totaling $20.9 billion. Over the past 20 years, it has seen a staggering 136 wildfires and is tied for the most billion-dollar climate disasters.

Florida ranks second with a composite score of 77.86 and stands out for experiencing 34 hurricanes in the past 20 years, the most of any state. These frequent hurricanes have made Florida one of the top contributors to billion-dollar disaster counts, with 20 such events since 1980. Despite its vulnerabilities, Florida’s disaster costs in 2024 were comparatively lower at $2.1 billion.

California places third with a composite score of 73.73, largely due to its 246 wildfires in the past 20 years, the highest number of any state. While wildfires dominate the state’s disaster profile, California’s 2024 disaster costs remained surprisingly low, falling below $5 million.

Louisiana ranks fourth with a composite score of 73.42, owing to its 24 hurricanes over the past two decades, the second-highest among all states. The state also has a high flood risk, reflected in its nine flood events during this period. Louisiana’s disaster costs in 2024 were significant at $1 billion.

North Dakota, with a composite score of 67.49, ranks mid-level despite facing 17 severe storms and 13 floods over the past 20 years. Interestingly, the state maintains relatively low disaster costs, with 2024 costs falling under $5 million.

Oklahoma scores 61.76, ranking high in severe storm frequency with 37 storms recorded in the past 20 years. The state also reported five billion-dollar disasters since 1980, reflecting its vulnerability to high-impact events.

Vermont ranks lower with a composite score of 61.44. While the state has had 19 severe storms and seven floods over the past 20 years, its disaster costs remain minimal, with $0.1 billion recorded both annually and in 2024, making it one of the least financially impacted states.

Alaska ranks eighth with a composite score of 61.24, standing out with the highest disaster rate per 1M people at 74.98. Despite this, the state’s disaster costs remain among the lowest, falling under $5 million in 2024.

South Dakota, with a composite score of 61.10, has faced 25 severe storms and six floods in the last 20 years. However, its disaster costs remain low, with just $0.5 billion in average annual damages and $0.2 billion in 2024.

Washington rounds out the list with a composite score of 59.45. The state experienced 101 wildfires over the past 20 years, making it a significant wildfire-prone state. However, its disaster costs were moderate, at $0.8 billion in 2024.

A spokesperson from iSharingSoft commented on the study: “Natural disasters impact regions in dramatically different ways, both in frequency and financial toll. Some areas face severe risks and escalating costs, while others demonstrate remarkable resilience despite frequent events. Proactive disaster planning and adaptation strategies are essential to mitigate the growing challenges posed by these events.”