Hurricane-Proof Counties

Published May 2, 2026

Hurricanes are among the most destructive natural disasters in the United States, causing billions of dollars in damage annually and displacing thousands of residents. For those seeking refuge from hurricane risk, the answer lies inland — in counties far from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts where hurricane winds and storm surge simply do not reach.

We identified counties with zero hurricane risk according to FEMA data, then ranked them by climate favorability using average annual temperature. These counties offer hurricane safety without requiring you to endure extreme cold or harsh conditions.

The 25 Most Hurricane-Proof Counties

Monroe County, FL is the warmest county with zero hurricane risk, averaging 77.87272727272726°F annually. The list is dominated by inland counties in the Southwest, Great Plains, and Midwest — regions that have never experienced a hurricane landfall.

RankCountyStateHurricane RiskAvg Temp (°F)Precip (in)Heat Days
1Monroe CountyFL077.8727272727272643.7566.57272727272726
2Broward CountyFL076.761.8728571428571477.675
3Miami-Dade CountyFL076.5538461538461562.02749999999999685.93846153846152
4Starr CountyTX075.520.985190.75
5Collier CountyFL075.3142857142857254.63833333333334119.21428571428571
6Lee CountyFL075.255.4119.69999999999999
7Palm Beach CountyFL075.0571428571428561.62999999999999586.27142857142857
8Charlotte CountyFL075.0553.495000000000005129.95
9Cameron CountyTX075.0333333333333526.204120.96666666666665
10Hidalgo CountyTX074.8444444444444322.756999999999998171.27777777777774
11Okeechobee CountyFL074.650.3103
12Martin CountyFL074.563.4483.55
13Hillsborough CountyFL074.452.85333333333333102.75
14Zapata CountyTX074.420.4171.8
15Yuma CountyAZ074.057142857142864.076666666666667180.34285714285716
16Hendry CountyFL074.0552.65130.45
17Indian River CountyFL07454.82564.15
18Polk CountyFL073.9400000000000151.708000000000006120.94000000000001
19Jim Hogg CountyTX073.922.71157.6
20Willacy CountyTX073.925.36114.44999999999999
21Pinellas CountyFL073.8333333333333351.5286.7
22Imperial CountyCA073.679999999999992.96180.06
23Sarasota CountyFL073.6556.17130.7
24Glades CountyFL073.4333333333333452.84116.96666666666665
25Orange CountyFL073.451.46110.35

Note

While these counties face zero hurricane risk, they may experience other severe weather including tornadoes, blizzards, or extreme heat. Always research the full risk profile before relocating.

Methodology

Hurricane risk data comes from the FEMA National Risk Index (2020), which measures the expected annual loss from hurricanes at the county level. Counties with a hurricane risk score of 0 are considered hurricane-proof for practical purposes. These counties are ranked by average annual temperature to highlight the most climate-favorable safe havens. All temperature and precipitation data comes from NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals.

Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. All figures represent 30-year averages and may differ from individual-year observations. Station-level data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging.

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