According to Zillow, New Orleans tops the list of U.S. metro areas facing the highest flood risk—with nearly 80% of the region’s new home listings facing a major risk of flooding due to the city’s low elevation, proximity to water, and frequent hurricanes and storms. If you’re looking to buy a home in The Big Easy, you need to understand how this risk impacts property values, insurance costs, and more. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Zillow ranks New Orleans as the metro area with the highest flood risk.
- Nearly 80% of new home listings in the city face major flood hazards due to the city’s low elevation and frequent storms.
- Buying a home in a high-risk flood zone can mean higher insurance costs, potential property damage, and stricter mortgage approval requirements.
- Homebuyers exploring high-risk areas should research flood insurance, assess elevation levels, and explore mitigation strategies like drainage improvements and home elevation to protect their investment.
Why New Orleans Has the Highest Flood Risk
Zillow’s climate risk score evaluates how likely a property is to experience climate-related hazards. Unfortunately for New Orleans, it scores high on flood risk. The city sits below sea level and is surrounded by water, making it an easy target for flooding from hurricanes, storm surges, and heavy rainfall.
Tip
In 2025, Zillow will introduce new climate risk data for properties listed for sale in the United States. This data will assign a “risk” score ranging from 1 to 10 for each property, evaluating it based on five key factors: flood, wildfire, wind, heat, and air quality.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also flags New Orleans as high-risk on its flood maps, but Zillow’s assessment goes a step further. Unlike FEMA, which focuses on past flood data, Zillow predicts a home’s risk over the next 30 years. According to Zillow, 76.8% of new home listings in New Orleans face a major flood risk in the future.
What This Means for Homebuyers
Homebuyers eyeing high-flood-risk areas should consider flood insurance. In fact, many mortgage lenders won’t even approve loans for high-risk properties unless you have flood coverage in place. Zillow’s research also shows that homes with high flood risk see more mortgage denials and withdrawals as banks weigh the financial risks of lending in these areas.
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance to homeowners in certain floodplains through private insurance programs. According to FEMA, the median cost of such plans for single-family homes in Louisiana is $786 per year.
Note
According to Zillow, over 80% of prospective home buyers consider climate risks as they shop—and most say their biggest concern is flood risk.
What Buyers Should Know About Shopping in Flood-Prone Areas
If you’re considering buying a home in a flood zone, here are some key things to consider.
Check the Flood Risk
It’s worth checking FEMA flood maps and local risk reports to understand your potential new home’s specific flood risk. Homes on elevated foundations or built with flood-resistant materials are generally safer, but always ask about the property’s flood history and any improvements made to reduce risk anyway.
Consider Flood Mitigation Options
Raising utilities, installing flood vents, and using water-resistant materials can lower the risk of potential damage and perhaps even insurance costs. Additional measures such as elevating the home’s foundation, improving drainage systems, and installing sump pumps can further reduce flood risk.
The Bottom Line
New Orleans’ flood risk is a serious factor for homebuyers, but it doesn’t mean you should rule out the area. Many resources—such as Zillow’s climate risk score and FEMA’s flood maps—give you a heads-up on potential hazards so you can make an informed buying decision and avoid costly surprises down the road. If you’re considering purchasing a home in a flood-prone zone, do your homework—check insurance costs, look at flood mitigation measures, and be sure you’re prepared for the risks.
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