12 Safest Coastal Cities from Hurricanes in the US – Past & Future Data Forecasts
The safest coastal cities from hurricanes offer more than just picturesque coastlines—they’ve managed to dodge the wild winds of nature’s most unpredictable storms.
While no place can totally escape the chaos, these twelve cities have a habit of slipping between hurricane forecasts like ghosts in a storm.
Table of Contents
Methodology
We’ve picked these safest coastal cities from hurricanes using a mix of population size (minimum 50,000), data from the last 50 years on how many major hurricanes have struck, and forecasts of future stormy chaos.
Factors like natural geography, barriers like bays, and how well these cities hold up against historical hurricane activity were also considered. We’re talking about more than just safety though—these places have charm, and they know how to ride the edge of the storm.
Just a side note – virtually every city on the East Coast and Gulf Coast of the US are susceptible to hurricanes, but some have had better luck or infrastructure (either natural or built-up) to make them less affected by these storms. It is still advisable to always take hurricane warnings seriously.
The 12 Safest Coastal Cities from Hurricanes in the US
12. Galveston, Texas
Population: 53,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
In the last 50 years, Galveston has been hit by 8 hurricanes. While it was once at the epicenter of hurricane destruction in 1900, Galveston has since learned its lesson and built a massive sea wall to brace for future storms.
The city stands strong on the Gulf, armored against potential future strikes, with forecasts predicting fewer catastrophic storms. Stroll its beaches, admire the grand Victorian homes, and enjoy knowing the city has bolstered its defenses for the future.
11. Jacksonville, Florida
Population: 950,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Jacksonville has been hit by 3 hurricanes in the last 50 years. Florida might scream “hurricane central,” but Jacksonville knows how to duck and weave better than most of its neighbors.
Sitting a little inland, with the St. Johns River keeping things cool, this sprawling city has managed to evade the worst. Its sprawling parks, untouched beaches, and lower hurricane count make it an under-the-radar safe spot in the Sunshine State.
10. Wilmington, North Carolina
Population: 125,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
In the last 50 years, Wilmington has been hit by 9 hurricanes. Yet, despite the stormy history, it’s built like a fortress against the next hurricane season. With future predictions showing some reprieve, the Cape Fear River stands like a sentry, buffering against full-onslaught hurricane disasters. Visitors come for the rich riverfront history, but they stay for the resilience. Wilmington’s got that tough exterior, but it’s a soft coastal retreat at heart.
9. Charleston, South Carolina
Population: 150,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Charleston has faced 7 hurricanes over the past 50 years. But this historic Southern gem has stood tall, its elegant streets unfazed by the storms of the past.
The harbor’s defenses keep the city from sinking into hurricane despair, and future predictions show a favorable outlook. Charleston’s got charm, all wrapped up in cobbled streets and antebellum elegance, with the extra benefit of protection from the unpredictable wrath of hurricanes.
8. Mobile, Alabama
Population: 195,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Mobile has endured 5 hurricanes in the last 50 years, but its protective bay shields it from the worst. Future storms are expected to graze but not destroy.
Mobile blends its rich Gulf Coast history with a bit of rebellion against nature’s worst. Enjoy Mobile’s old-world charm, knowing that even in the heart of the Gulf, this city stands relatively unscathed.
7. Savannah, Georgia
Population: 145,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Only 4 hurricanes have dared strike Savannah in the last half-century, thanks to its maze of marshes and barrier islands. While Georgia’s coast is known for its quirky nature, Savannah has stayed safe from frequent destruction.
Stroll the Spanish moss-lined streets, knowing that hurricanes have been kind to this picturesque city. The future is bright, with fewer storms predicted to challenge its safety.
6. Tampa, Florida
Population: 400,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Tampa has faced only 2 major hurricanes in the last 50 years. Nestled within the safe confines of Tampa Bay, the city is blessed with geography that makes direct hits rare. Future forecasts point to more calm ahead.
So while the rest of Florida might tremble, Tampa enjoys a more peaceful storm season, luring residents and tourists alike with its bay views and low hurricane count.
5. Corpus Christi, Texas
Population: 325,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
With 6 hurricanes in the past 50 years, Corpus Christi knows the drill, but it’s got natural defenses that buffer the Gulf Coast chaos. Its bay and nearby islands create a protective shield against stronger storms.
The city’s low hurricane frequency moving forward makes it a go-to spot for those craving the Gulf Coast without the full force of nature’s worst. Beaches, seafood, and a bit of hurricane resistance—that’s the Corpus way.
4. Biloxi, Mississippi
Population: 46,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Biloxi’s got a scarred past—7 hurricanes in 50 years, but this Gulf Coast town has learned resilience. After Hurricane Katrina, Biloxi bounced back stronger, with seawalls and upgraded defenses. Future hurricane predictions give it a bit of breathing room, with fewer hurricanes anticipated in the near future.
The casinos, white-sand beaches, and the salty air keep Biloxi’s appeal high while the risk remains lower than expected.
3. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Population: 450,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Virginia Beach has been hit by just 3 hurricanes in the last 50 years, making it one of the safest spots on the East Coast. Its northern location spares it from most Atlantic hurricanes, and future forecasts predict fewer hurricane risks compared to the lower East Coast.
This sprawling beach city with a military vibe is perfect for those seeking the ocean without the stormy drama.
2. Pensacola, Florida
Population: 55,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Pensacola’s strategic location on the far end of Florida’s Panhandle means that only 4 major hurricanes have hit it in the last 50 years. Thanks to its natural barriers and solid infrastructure, Pensacola has escaped with fewer major storm impacts than neighboring Gulf cities.
Future predictions are also favorable, and the beaches, historical sites, and laid-back lifestyle remain untouched by the chaos of major hurricanes.
1. Port St. Lucie, Florida
Population: 200,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Port St. Lucie boasts only 3 hurricane hits in the last 50 years. Located along Florida’s Treasure Coast, the city has been blessed by geography and well-thought-out infrastructure. Future predictions for hurricanes remain low, keeping this coastal paradise safe for years to come.
Whether it’s the golf courses, the natural preserves, or the lack of hurricane drama, Port St. Lucie is the perfect blend of safety and seaside charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a coastal city safe from hurricanes?
A combination of factors keeps a city safer from hurricanes, including its geographic location, natural barriers like bays, cliffs, or barrier islands, and robust infrastructure designed to withstand storms. Some cities are more protected simply because they are located in regions that hurricanes tend to avoid, while others have invested heavily in defensive measures like sea walls and evacuation systems.
How often do hurricanes hit the Gulf Coast compared to the East Coast?
The Gulf Coast tends to experience more hurricanes due to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which fuel storm activity. However, the intensity and frequency vary greatly. The East Coast is also hit, but cities further north like Virginia Beach tend to see fewer hurricanes, as storms often lose strength before reaching these areas.
Are these cities completely hurricane-proof?
No city can be completely hurricane-proof. While these cities are relatively safer due to fewer hurricane hits and better protection, the unpredictable nature of hurricanes means that any coastal city can still be vulnerable. The key is resilience, infrastructure, and geography that help reduce the impact.
Why do some cities like Tampa and Jacksonville have so few hurricanes?
Cities like Tampa and Jacksonville benefit from their geographical positioning. Tampa is protected by Tampa Bay, which buffers it from direct hits, while Jacksonville sits slightly inland and avoids the brunt of coastal storms. Both cities have natural defenses and haven’t been hit as frequently as other Florida locations.
Which of these cities is the best for a family-friendly, hurricane-safe vacation?
If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, consider Savannah, Georgia, or Wilmington, North Carolina. Both offer rich history, scenic views, and fewer hurricanes compared to other coastal spots. For Gulf Coast charm, Corpus Christi or Pensacola provide a safe beach experience with less storm risk.