Cotality Ranks States by Extreme-Weather Risk
A new report ranks U.S. states by exposure to extreme weather and projects how housing losses will grow by 2050.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Severe Weather
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Cotality released a report ranking states by extreme-weather risk using a model that measures the severity and likelihood of perils, with Louisiana identified as the most vulnerable. Insurers are raising premiums and, in some cases, exiting high-risk markets.
Why it matters
Rising storm frequency and severity are increasing financial exposure for homeowners and insurers across multiple states. Louisiana's projected losses rise largely due to increased inland flooding.
Louisiana averages $6.7 billion in annual extreme-weather losses, while California ($18.2 billion) and Texas ($11.5 billion) carry the largest current financial drains. The report's projections for how these losses will change after 2050 have not been independently verified.
The players
Cotality
Cotality is a property data and analytics company whose risk model produced the state-by-state extreme-weather rankings.
First Street
First Street is a climate risk analytics firm that found severe convective storms generated $794 billion in insurance payouts over 25 years.
The details
Cotality used a risk-scoring model to rank states, calculating losses for 30 states and projecting growth through 2050. Mississippi and Florida rank next after Louisiana due to hurricane exposure, while West Virginia faces significant inland flood risk.
Timeline
2050: Projected year for extreme-weather housing losses to rise sharply.
Earlier this year: First Street released its report on severe convective storm insurance payouts.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Cotality released its extreme-weather state risk report.
Seasonal Patterns
Cotality's projections extend First Street's finding that severe convective storms generated $794 billion in insurance payouts over 25 years, pointing to rising state-level losses as storm frequency and severity increase.
Homeowners in high-risk states should review their insurance coverage and premiums, as insurers are raising costs and in some cases leaving certain markets. Checking local flood and storm exposure can help residents plan for potential out-of-pocket losses.
The takeaway
Rising projected losses mean the cost of living in high-exposure areas may keep climbing as insurance becomes harder to obtain. Residents can reduce exposure by understanding their specific flood and storm risk before buying or renewing a policy.
Further reading
Explore more on Severe Weather to see how storm trends are shaping insured losses across the country.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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