Prevalence, Correlates, and Impacts of Displacement Because of Natural Disasters in the United States From 2022 to 2023

Abstract

Objectives. To quantify the prevalence, correlates, and impacts of displacement because of natural disasters in the United States. Methods. We pooled data across 10 independent survey samples from the Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey from December 2022 to September 2023. Survey questions asked about displacement from home because of natural disasters, duration of displacement, and impacts of disasters. Results. In our weighted sample of 213 234 003 adults, 3 166 500 (1.5%) reported displacement in the past year because of a natural disaster. People of color, sexual and gender minority populations, and those with lower incomes, disabilities, or unfavorable social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity were more likely to report displacement. Long-term displacement was more common with fires compared with other disasters. Disaster impacts, including food and water shortage, electricity loss, unsanitary conditions, feeling isolated, and experiencing scams, were more common among people of color and individuals with lower education or income. Conclusions. Many people in the United States, particularly from health disparity populations, are displaced because of natural disasters. Addressing SDOH and other vulnerability factors may help improve disaster preparedness and mitigate postdisaster impacts. ( Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print October 24, 2024:e1–e11. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307854 )