Experts Say These US Cities Are at the Lowest Risk for Climate Change Disasters

There are a myriad factors to consider when you buy a home, but one element trumps both square footage and amenities: longevity. With the drastic increase in climate change disasters and weather events over the last few years, potential home buyers are focusing on finding a home that can weather what the next decade or more will bring. And while coastal cities tend to be at the highest risk for climate-related damage, you don't have to be landlocked or on top of a mountain to have the safe home of your dreams.

Real estate experts at Zillow have recently decided to add climate change information and climate risk data on all home listings on the site moving forward. Climate change is a very broad category, so rather than a blanket statement or risk assessment, the data is being broken into five categories of climate-related factors that pose a significant danger to US communities: Air quality, flooding, fires, extreme wind, and extreme heat. Read on for the 5 cities at the lowest risk for a climate disaster.

Detroit, Michigan

8.9% of all new listings in August had a flood risk.

Located in Northern Michigan, just south of Canadian border, Detroit is known for its automotive industry and thriving music scene. Here, only 8.9 percent of all newly listed homes were at risk of flooding. The Detroit River flows into Lake St. Clair, a beautiful setting for a family vacation or long weekend spent along the shores.

Cleveland, Ohio

5.0% of all new listings in August had a flood risk.

Cleveland, Ohio is located on the southern shores of Lake Erie. Most of the city sits between 600 and 800 feet above sea level, and lake temperaments are less unpredictable than the ocean, meaning only five percent of listings have a flood risk warning. Cleveland is a great city for sports and music fans alike, as it's home to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Browns, as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Indianapolis, Indiana

7.3% of all new listings in August had a flood risk.

More commonly known as Indy, Indianapolis is the capital city and the most populous metropolitan area in Indiana. Here, only seven percent of homes are at risk of flooding, and these homes are typically located along the riverfront.

Kansas City, Kansas

2.1% of all new listings in August had a fire risk, 6.5% had a flood risk, and 0.8% had an extreme heat risk.

Despite Kansas City's location straddling Missouri and Kansas, Zillow's research highlighted the latter as one of the cities least at risk for climate disasters. Here, only two percent of new listings were at risk of fires, 6.5 had a flood risk, and less than one percent of newly listed homes were at risk of extreme heat. KC is a city on the rise, and is a welcoming metropolitan area for new college grads and families alike—you might even spot Taylor Swift every once in a while.

Columbus, Ohio

0.2% of all new listings in August had a fire risk, and 5.0% had a flood risk.

Ohio's state capital, Columbus is located on the Scioto River. Here, less than one percent of newly listed homes were at a heightened risk of fires, and only five percent were at a flood risk. Columbus has a rich arts scene and is home to a number of nationally recognized museums like the Columbus Museum of Art and Center of Science and Industry.