Risk Perceptions of Future Hurricanes: Survey Evidence from the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants that shape individual risk perceptions of future hurricanes and hurricane-related impacts in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. Using a survey of 1,143 respondents, regression models are estimated to identify the socioeconomic, demographic, and experiential variables associated with the degree of risk perception of future hurricane landfalls and their subsequent impacts. Individuals perceive a greater degree of risk if they have previously evacuated because of a hurricane, live in a flood zone, are female, and have greater educational attainment. Household income and household composition do not seem to impact risk perception measures; however, African American respondents exhibit a lesser degree of risk perception of future hurricanes and the impacts associated with those hurricanes. The implications of the study results for identifying the segment of the population that underestimate the risk of future hurricanes and hurricane-related impacts are discussed.