Climate risks hit Black homeowners hardest in Atlanta
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Minority homeowners in metro Atlanta are particularly vulnerable to certain major climate risks, a Zillow analysis finds.
Why it matters: The findings reflect history and a legacy of redlining and economic disparities that still shape where people live — and how they're affected by climate change.
Zoom in: In metro Atlanta, virtually everyone is at risk from extreme heat, though Black homeowners have the highest risk, Zillow found.
- Black homeowners are also disproportionately at risk of wind damage from hurricanes, tornadoes or other severe storms.
Zoom out: Nationally, 81% of Black homeowners, 77% of Hispanic homeowners and 65% of Asian homeowners are at risk of extreme heat, compared to 52% of white homeowners.
- Meanwhile, 60% of Black homeowners, 43% of Hispanic homeowners and 33% of Asian homeowners are vulnerable to extreme wind, compared to 32% of white homeowners.
The intrigue: Stormwater flooding is projected to increase as metro Atlanta experiences more severe storms. But a much smaller share of homeowners, across racial and ethnic lines, are at major risk of flooding, Zillow found.
How it works: Zillow's analysis is based in part on climate risk data for homes listed for sale on the platform, using risk modeling techniques from First Street.
- It doesn't include renters, who also face various climate risks.
Between the lines: Some of the nationwide figures are a result of history and geography, says Zillow senior economist Kara Ng.
- For example: Black homeownership rates are higher in the South, she points out, where extreme heat is more common compared to other regions.
The big picture: Some cities have especially stark differences between groups for certain climate risks.
- In New Orleans, for example, about 95% of Asian homeowners, 92% of Black homeowners and 86% of Hispanic homeowners are vulnerable to flooding, compared to 76% of white homeowners.
The bottom line: Climate risk is making homeownership more expensive due to rising insurance, energy and repair costs, Ng notes in her analysis — adding that vulnerable homes often take longer to sell and go for less money.
- "These impacts have the potential to widen the racial wealth gap and further set back minority groups that historically have been financially disadvantaged," she writes.