How natural-disaster risk should affect where you live
CityLivably Editorial Team · Built on World Bank, WorldClim, USGS and FEMA/INFORM open data · Updated 2026
Earthquakes, floods, storms and wildfires shape insurance cost, property value and safety. Most relocation guides ignore them. Here's how to factor them in.
Safest cities
- Dundalk, Ireland — safety 85/100, main risk flooding
- Sarpsborg, Norway — safety 84/100, main risk extreme cold / winter
- Viborg, Denmark — safety 84/100, main risk extreme cold / winter
- Hillerød, Denmark — safety 84/100, main risk extreme cold / winter
- Rouen, France — safety 83/100, main risk flooding
- Viljandi, Estonia — safety 83/100, main risk extreme cold / winter
- Maardu, Estonia — safety 83/100, main risk extreme cold / winter
- Nõmme, Estonia — safety 83/100, main risk extreme cold / winter
Why it matters for cost too
Disaster risk isn't just safety — it drives home-insurance premiums and long-term property value. A cheap city in a flood or earthquake zone can cost more once you price in insurance and risk.
How we measure it
We count real historical earthquakes near each city (USGS), add flood/storm/wildfire exposure and extreme-heat days, and combine with crime data into a safety score. See the safest cities.
FAQ
How do I check a city's disaster risk?
Open its city page — each shows earthquake, flood, storm, wildfire and heat exposure.
Which disasters cost the most?
Flood, earthquake and storm drive the highest property and insurance costs.