February 20, 2026
Climate risk is no longer a distant concern. It is showing up in underwriting models, insurance premiums, buyer psychology, and now directly on listing pages. Zillow has a climate risk tool that gives home shoppers property-level insights into exposure to floods, wildfire, wind, heat, and air quality risk. Here are a few tips you need to know:
Zillow’s Climate Risk Tool is a simple feature that shows how likely a home is to face different climate‑related dangers, like floods, wildfires, strong winds, extreme heat, and poor air quality. It pulls this information from a climate‑risk company called First Street and puts it right on the home’s listing page so buyers can see it quickly.
On the map, you can turn on a climate‑risk layer that colors neighborhoods by how risky they are for each type of hazard. When you open a specific home page, you’ll see a section that breaks down each risk, explains what it means, and often shows how that risk might change over the next 15–30 years.
Zillow's new tool is designed to give homebuyers a starting point in understanding the climate risks associated with a property. Yet, experts caution that the estimates provided may not be comprehensive. Here are some tips for evaluating the tool:
Zillow’s flood risk data can be a good baseline, but it’s important to reach out to local government authorities for more specific details. Many flood risk models, including those in Zillow’s tool, don’t factor in the local infrastructure such as stormwater drains, which are critical for understanding flood risks. These details can vary greatly from one area to another.
If the tool indicates that a property has been affected by flooding in the past, this should be taken seriously. Historical flood data is often reliable and could serve as a red flag for potential buyers, signaling that the home might be at risk of future flooding.
Zillow’s wildfire risk predictions are still in development and may not fully capture the true threat, especially in areas like the Western U.S. where wildfire models are less advanced. Wildfire risk is complex and may be underrepresented in Zillow’s estimates. Homebuyers should consider other resources and local expert opinions when assessing this type of risk.
When evaluating a property’s climate risk, it’s important to consider not just the house itself, but the broader neighborhood. For example, check whether the roads in the area would remain accessible in the event of a wildfire or flood, especially if power lines were knocked down. These factors, which are not currently considered by Zillow’s tool, can significantly impact the livability of a property during extreme weather events.
While Zillow’s climate-risk tool is an excellent resource for prospective buyers, experts emphasize the importance of doing additional research. Zillow’s estimates are based on models, which can sometimes vary or even underestimate the risks in certain areas. Buyers should investigate further using local government data, consulting with climate specialists, and considering the broader neighborhood’s vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, experts believe that local government authorities should be investing in climate-risk tools to help consumers make more informed decisions. For example, California has developed a public wildfire catastrophe model to help identify the homes and communities most at risk. Such investments could provide more comprehensive data to help buyers assess the full range of climate risks associated with a property.
In an era of increasing climate uncertainty, Zillow’s new climate-risk tool offers homebuyers valuable insights into potential risks for properties. However, it’s important not to rely solely on the platform’s data. Consider the tool as one piece of the puzzle and make sure to conduct further research, especially by consulting local experts and authorities. By doing so, you can better assess whether a home is truly the right investment for your future.
Disclaimer: This content is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, or insurance advice.
