Alex is the founder of 9Kilo Moving, which he started to help people easily find and choose the right moving company to make their move as stress-free and seamless as possible. He has spent over 20 years working in the moving industry, so he knows every aspect of the business and uses his knowledge to write about the industry and give moving advice. More on about us page
When you consider moving to any state, safety becomes absolutely essential. Natural disasters are one of the biggest causes of global deaths which includes the United States too. The bigger the country, the bigger its geographical diversity, which automatically increases the probability of various natural disasters on a recurring basis. There are many natural disasters that occur annually and cause a great deal of damage. These disasters can be in the form of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, etc.
It is absolutely integral to be aware of the facts and climatic conditions of a new place and it becomes an even more necessary factor when you include family in the picture. You want the safest option for your family and we are here to help you out. We have compiled all the necessary information along with the required facts and figures about the state which has the least natural disasters. We have also included some close alternatives so you can be thorough with the research.
CALCULATE MY MOVE
Humans, without a doubt, are the most selfish species to exist on our planet and the consequences of our selfishness are affecting the world every day, the effects now becoming a global concern. The United States is a country that is made up of 50 states and all of them have their significant geophysical conditions due to which a few are prone to many natural disasters. Natural disasters are the cause of huge losses across the globe. Direct losses from natural disasters in the United States currently average $20 billion per year and they continue to increase.
There are various forces that contribute to disaster-related loss and humans are undeniably the biggest cause. Even though human beings are growing in their consciousness, so is greed. In spite of all the scientific knowledge and development that can help predict the probability of earthquakes, wildfires, and landslides, the natural disasters across the United States are still a huge cause of damage and destruction, so it is very important for you to be aware of some of the natural disasters, their causes and the facts that are mentioned below:
A tornado is a violent natural disaster that extends from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. It can cause major to minor damages including the destruction of cities. Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles.
Tornadoes are the most frequent in the United States and the country is affected by more than 1,200 tornadoes annually. The Great Plains in the US are at the highest tornado risk. Tornados can happen in any month of the year and at any time of the day but areas like the Rockies, the Great Plains, the Midwest, and the South have comparatively more tornados annually.
The United States faces the most floods globally due to its huge size and geographical setting. Many states in the US face heavy floods which cause great damage to life and property. The states closer to water bodies obviously have more risk of flooding hence the East Coast, West to North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado face the highest floods in the US Wetlands in the US spend more than $30 billion in annual flood damage repair costs.
Heavy precipitation is the common cause of flooding along with hurricanes, winter storms, and snowmelt. Extreme rainfalls have been increasing in the past few decades despite the billions of dollars ($6-$10 billion) invested in flood control. The majority of the people living in flood-prone areas are bound to buy flood insurance to manage their expenses.
A volcano is yet another natural disaster that is a huge cause of the loss of life and livelihood of many. Volcanoes happen globally but the US has 161 potentially active volcanoes as of now. A volcano is an opening in the earth's crust through which lava, volcanic ash, and gases can escape which can cause mass destruction. Beneath a volcano, liquid magma containing dissolved gases rises through the cracks in the Earth's crust.
The force with which the gases come out can destroy a large percentage of the population in a blink. In order to control the destruction and harms of volcanoes in the US, the USGS Volcano Hazards Program has been established which aims to enhance public safety and minimize social and economic disruption from volcanic unrest and eruption. They do it through forecasts, warnings, and information about volcano hazards based on a scientific understanding of the volcanic processes.
Michigan is the safest place in the entire United States when it comes to natural disasters. Michigan is located in the Midwest and, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Great Lakes region has a low probability of hurricanes or tropical storms. The state consists of two peninsulas surrounded primarily by four of the Great Lakes and a number of nearby islands. The Upper Peninsula is bounded on the southwest by Wisconsin, and the Lower Peninsula is bounded on the south by Indiana and Ohio.
Michigan is naturally blessed and safe which is due to the unique formation of a state split between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. The Upper Peninsulas is known as U.P. and allows it to border four of the five Great Lakes. This gives Michigan the longest freshwater coastline of any state, 3,288 miles, and the second-longest coastline of any US state, after Alaska. The Mackinac Bridge, a 5-mile span, connects the halves. The state is surrounded by trees and greenery and is known for being a natural haven. Along with being geographically endowed, Michigan has also managed to retain its natural surroundings which contribute to making it the state with the least natural disasters.
As stated earlier, the biggest reason behind Michigan being safe from natural disasters is its geography. The major source of income for many local Michigan folks is fishing so even after all the modernization, Michigan has managed to maintain its natural roots, which also contributes to this advantage. Besides this, Michigan is less populated too as compared to many of the U.S states which is also a big factor.
Another major reason behind Michigan being the state with the least natural disasters is because of its climatic conditions. Michigan has an ideal temperature which stays cool year-around for the most part. This cool temperature automatically eliminates the possibility of many natural disasters too while also helping the data centers as they don't need to rely too much on powered cooling. Even though Michigan does face some natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados, etc., their severity is a lot less and they aren't that dangerous for the most part.
See also: 6 Largest Cities in Michigan to Move to
As stated before, some states are more at risk of natural disasters than others and Michigan is considered to be the state with the least natural disasters, with a minor chance of earthquakes, tornadoes or hurricanes. However, we understand if you want to be familiar with other alternatives too. Having a comparing ground is not only wise but also necessary when it comes to making a big decision like moving. Here are some other states with comparatively low disaster rates:
Vermont is ranked as the second-safest state from natural disasters in the United States. It is a state in the northeastern United States which is known for its natural landscape that is primarily forested. Vermont is part of the New England region and is situated at the northern border of the United States. Again, the safest places are the ones surrounded by nature and Vermont is a hardwood forest landscape with many mountains. Due to its ideal location and topography, it is protected from various natural disasters. You might face some tropical storms or flooding but it is a remote possibility because the last flood that occured in the state of Vermont was the Great Flood of 1927.
Also See: Best Moving Companies In Vermont
Like Michigan, Minnesota is also located in the midwest, and is one of the safest states from natural disasters. Minnesota is specifically safe when it comes to hurricanes which are one of the biggest natural disasters in the US Other than a few recent tornadoes and flooding, Minnesota is a pretty safe bet and you are bound to sleep peacefully at night if you move here. Minneapolis-St. Paul is a city in the state of Minnesota that is considered to be one of the safest places from many natural disasters.
When you consider geography, the states that are located in the mid-region tend to be the safest from any natural calamities. Tornados, floods, and hurricanes occur near water and mid-regions are generally in the center so the risk factor automatically decreases. Illinois, like the other two states mentioned earlier, is located in the midwestern region of the US The state is famous for many things but, thankfully, natural disasters aren't one of them. The probability of hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, or even droughts are extremely low but you might face heat waves, extreme cold weather, and occasional flooding in these regions. Overall, Illinois is a really good and safe alternative for you, in terms of a home-state.
Other than these states, Ohio, Colorado, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, and Montana are some of the safest states with the least natural disasters. Keep in mind that even though these states are safe, there are occasional natural disasters that occur here too. They certainly are good alternatives for you if, by any chance, Michigan is not the ideal place for you to live in. We recommend you read about the climatic conditions of these states to be certain before making a final choice.
Michigan is one of the greatest states to live in in the United States as along with the vastness of its natural beauty, it is also the safest. Michigan has something for everyone which is why many people are relocating here from various states. Humans have been proven to be the biggest enemy of nature which is why the intensity of natural disasters is increasing but Michigan has managed to strike the ideal balance. The Great State has managed to retain its natural elements making it an ideal place to live and raise a family in. If you decide to move to Michigan, we advise you to contribute to making it a safer state by being a responsible and sensible human being.
Also See: Most Livable Cities in the U.S.
Which Natural Disasters Are Common In The US?
The United States is not just a country united by 50 states but is also united by many natural disasters. You will find almost every kind of natural disaster present in the country that is spread across various states. California is one of the states that is prone to maximum natural disaster damage. Severe storms and flooding are the most common types of natural disasters reported in the United States but hurricanes, droughts, wildfires, and even earthquakes are some of the frequently occurring and damaging natural disasters in the country.
What US City Has The Best Weather Year-Round?
When one thinks about pleasant weather year-round, Hawai certainly comes to mind. Honolulu is the city in the state of Hawai which has the best weather conditions throughout the year. It takes the top spot with an average annual temperature of 77.7°F. Honolulu has an average of 93 rainy days per year. It also has an average of 90 sunny days per year. The temperature not ever dipping below freezing rates makes it the city with the best weather year-round. The states of Hawaii, Florida, and California have many cities with ideal weather conditions and pleasant weather year-round like the city of Long Beach in California and Tampa in Florida.
What US State Has The Most Natural Disasters?
California and Texas are the two states which are most prone to natural disasters due to their geographical conditions and population. They are the most populated states in the US too. The Golden State and the Lone Star are neither golden nor lone when it comes to natural disasters. While California has minor incidents of fires, earthquakes, and floods, Texas mostly has hurricanes, floods, and even high-intensity earthquakes!
Also See: Best Out of State Moving Companies in the US
Fill Out the Form and Get 100% Free Moving Quote!
Quick Response
Satisfaction Guarantee
Expert & Professional
Professional Approach
High Quality Work
24/7 Emergency
Complete the form to get instant quotes! Its that easy!
Privacy Policy Terms Of Use
We will send you a text with a short verification code
9Kilo brings the movers directly to you! We'll find the top moving companies for your needs and have them call you right away. Search no more. Just sit back and relax!
This is your estimated moving cost. Professional movers will contact you within one business day.
We're sorry, but we are unable to service this move because it is considered a local move.