Mushroom cloud from nuclear explosion
Sean Cate
Sean Cate
October 25, 2024 ·  4 min read

Maps Shows Safest Places to Live in US in Case of Nuclear War

As global tensions rise and concerns about a potential nuclear conflict grow, many Americans are reevaluating their living situations. The question of where to live in the event of a nuclear war has become more urgent due to threats from countries like Russia and North Korea. Real estate experts and survival analysts have created maps to identify the safest regions in the United States, based on key factors like population density, access to fresh water, farmland, and distance from likely nuclear targets. These insights offer guidance for those considering the ultimate survival scenario.

The Criteria for Nuclear Safety

Credit: Pixabay

In the event of a nuclear war, the location of one’s home could significantly impact their chances of survival. Real estate expert Andrew Ragusa explained to Metro that traditionally sought-after home features like proximity to schools, shopping centers, and public transportation become irrelevant in a nuclear scenario. Instead, survival hinges on access to fresh water, a warm climate for agriculture, and isolation from major population centers. Remote areas in states like California, Florida, and Texas, particularly regions far from major cities like San Francisco, Miami, and Houston, are considered some of the safest locations because they provide natural resources and a milder climate for growing food.

In addition, Ragusa suggests that homes along the Mississippi River could offer unique advantages. The river provides access to fresh water, an essential resource in a survival scenario. States along the river, including Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee, might be ideal for those looking to prepare for the worst.2

Rural Areas: The Key to Survival

Credit: Pixabay

A common theme among experts is that rural areas are the safest places to live in the event of a nuclear war. These regions tend to be far from potential nuclear targets like military bases and densely populated cities. Jasen Edwards, a real estate expert, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of farmland and fresh water. He notes that the Midwest and Southeast offer the necessary resources for long-term survival.

Additionally, Edwards points to the Rocky Mountains as a geographically advantageous location. The high elevation and prevailing winds would likely disperse nuclear fallout more quickly, minimizing the impact of radiation in the area. This makes the Rockies, and states like Colorado and Wyoming, potential safe havens in the event of a nuclear catastrophe.

Read More: Scary Simulation Demonstrates What Would Happen if a Nuclear Bomb Were to Strike a City

The Safest States According to Studies

Map shows the best place to buy a house in US to survive nuclear war
Credit: Metro

A recent study conducted by NoDepositDaily.com ranked U.S. states based on their safety in a nuclear war. The study considered key survival indicators such as access to food, water, medical services, and security. According to the findings, Vermont is the safest state, with a high overall score of 72.35 out of 100. Vermont ranks particularly well for food availability and security resources.

Other states that performed well in the study include Maine, Louisiana, and Wyoming. Maine, for example, scored second in terms of food availability and performed well across other survival indicators, making it a strong choice for those preparing for a potential nuclear event. Louisiana, with its abundant fresh water, and Wyoming, with its high availability of weapons and security resources, also ranked in the top five.

Areas to Avoid

The map shows the best places in the United States to withstand any potential nuclear apocalypse
Credit: NoDepostDaily

Conversely, some states would be less favorable for survival in a nuclear war. Heavily populated urban centers like New York and California would likely become chaotic due to their reliance on external resources and high population density. California, for instance, ranked inconsistently poor for access to fresh water and survival resources, making it one of the least ideal places to be in a nuclear scenario. The densely populated urban regions of New York also pose significant risks, particularly in terms of resource scarcity and harsh winter conditions.

States like Hawaii and Nevada also rank low for survival. Hawaii’s isolated location and lack of essential resources would make it difficult for residents to secure food, water, and medical supplies in the aftermath of a nuclear event. Nevada, though less populated, faces challenges due to its scarcity of fresh water and food sources.

Conclusion

North Korea has been growing its nuclear arsenal and testing missiles
Credit: SOPA

With nuclear threats looming on the global horizon, evaluating where to live has taken on new significance. Maps created by real estate and survival experts provide valuable insights into the safest places to reside in the U.S. in the event of a nuclear war. Remote, rural areas with access to fresh water and farmland, like parts of California, Florida, and the Midwest, offer the best chances for survival. On the other hand, densely populated cities and resource-scarce states may be the least safe. As concerns about nuclear conflict continue to grow, these findings could help guide individuals and families looking to prepare for the worst.

Read More: Blind Mystic Baba Vanga Makes Unsettling Predictions for 2025