Key Information
NJ’s tidal flooding risk has more than doubled since 1980.
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There are 27,000 more buildings with a combined value of $15B at risk of flooding at least once a year.
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There are now 23,000 more homes and other buildings with a combined value of $13B at risk of frequent flooding.
In Ocean County, the number of buildings at risk of frequent flooding has tripled--from 5,000 to 15,000.
In 25 years, between 33,000 to 58,000 more buildings will be at risk of frequent flooding.
Seventeen of New Jersey’s 21 counties touch some part of the state’s 1,792 miles of coastline. These counties are home to 80% of the state’s population, and contribute more that $400B in economic output.
The sea level in Atlantic City has risen more than 15 inches since 1900, and nearly 6 inches since 1980—twice as much as the global average.
In 1980, there were 1,664 buildings in the 30-year flood plain in Middlesex County. In 2019, there were 2,333.
Research suggests that sea level rise-driven changes in tidal flooding have already reduced home values in New Jersey by $4.5 billion.
It is estimated that increased hurricane activity and rising sea levels in recent decades have cost Hudson County an additional $300 to $660 million per year and Bergen County, the most populous in the state, an additional $148 to $254 million.
In 1980, there were 1,664 buildings in the 30-year flood plain in Middlesex County. In 2019, there were 2,333.
Research suggests that sea level rise-driven changes in tidal flooding have already reduced home values in New Jersey by $4.5 billion.
It is estimated that increased hurricane activity and rising sea levels in recent decades have cost Hudson County an additional $300 to $660 million per year and Bergen County, the most populous in the state, an additional $148 to $254 million.
At 6,825 units, New Jersey has more affordable housing units projected to be at risk of annual coastal flooding by the 2050 than any other state in the US.
Since 1999, the USGS has recorded six major flood events on the Passaic River, causing billions of dollars in damage.
Almost 20% of New Jersey is in a flood hazard area—more than any other state on the East Coast, except Florida.