Winter weather is already making its mark across the U.S., causing significant property damage before the full season even begins. According to a ValuePenguin study, $61.8 million in property damage has already occurred in 2024, with Oregon and Texas emerging as the hardest-hit states. As homeowners prepare for the winter ahead, these early numbers provide insight into which areas are most vulnerable to winter weather’s harsh impacts.
Key Findings
- Winter weather has already caused an estimated $61.8 million in damage across the U.S. in 2024.
- Oregon accounts for the majority, with 77.1% of the total damage, translating to $47.6 million.
- Texas experienced the most damage during the broader 2023-2024 winter season, accounting for 36% of total damage, or $87.2 million.
- Ninety-one deaths have been attributed to winter weather so far in 2024.
Oregon: The Most Impacted State in 2024
In 2024, Oregon has borne the brunt of winter weather property damage. Of the $61.8 million in damage reported nationwide, 77.1% occurred in Oregon, totaling $47.6 million. This staggering figure highlights the state’s vulnerability to winter weather events. Recent years have seen Oregon struggle with not only severe winter storms but also an increase in insurance premiums. Homeowners in the state have faced a 42% rise in insurance premiums from 2019 to 2024 due to repeated disasters, including fires, floods, and destructive winter storms like Winter Storm Indigo in 2024.
While Oregon tops the list for 2024 so far, Nebraska comes in a distant second with $7.5 million in damage, accounting for 12.1% of the total.
Texas: The Most Impacted Over the 2023-24 Winter Season
Looking more broadly at the 2023-2024 winter season, Texas experienced $87.2 million in winter weather property damage, the highest of any state, accounting for 36% of total damage. Oregon followed with $67.6 million (27.9%), and Michigan experienced $49.4 million (20.4%) in damage during this period. Texas has also led in damage over the past decade, with winter weather events causing $416.3 million in damage from 2015 through May 2024.
Severe winter storms have left lasting effects on Texas. Notably, the Great Texas Freeze in 2021 caused significant damage, contributing to the state’s standing as the leader in winter weather-related property damage over the past decade.
Rising Fatalities Due to Winter Weather
Winter weather does not only bring financial damage; it also claims lives. As of May 2024, 91 deaths have been attributed to winter weather, a significant increase from 75 deaths reported in 2023. Over the past decade, winter weather has been responsible for 1,355 deaths, with 2021 seeing the highest number of fatalities at 236.
The leading states for winter weather fatalities over the past decade include Texas with 200 deaths, Wisconsin with 118, and California and New York, each with 68.
Preparing for the Winter Season
Homeowners across the U.S. are encouraged to review their insurance policies as winter approaches. Experts recommend ensuring that their home and car insurance cover the full spectrum of potential winter weather damages. Additionally, homeowners should consider purchasing additional coverage for perils like flooding or high winds, which may not be included in standard policies.
As winter intensifies, states like Oregon, Texas, and Michigan remain particularly vulnerable. Homeowners in these areas should take steps now to safeguard their properties and review their insurance options to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Click here for the full study from ValuePenguin.
