Climate risk in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Subsidence, surge, and a market recovering from Ida.
New Orleans' exposure combines hurricane surge, land subsidence (many neighborhoods below sea level), and hurricane wind. Post-Katrina levee upgrades have improved flood defense significantly for the core, but insurance remains one of the most stressed markets in the country.
Peril breakdown
Surge and rainfall. Levee protection is strong for the core but not universal.
Not meaningful.
Sustained hurricane wind exposure.
Rising nights above 80°F.
Much of the metro is sinking 5-20mm/year. Compounds flood exposure over time.
Insurability
Louisiana Citizens exposure has grown; several carriers have exited. Premiums are among the highest in the US relative to home value.
20-year outlook
Ongoing subsidence and rising seas will continue to increase effective flood exposure. Insurance market normalization is slow.
If you're buying in New Orleans
Check elevation, levee protection zone, and construction (raised, slab, or half-raised). Get written flood and homeowner's quotes before contract.
Related reading: buying in a climate-safe area, questions to ask before buying, home insurance and climate change.
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