Concerns Over Air Pollution Prompt Americans to Move from Cities

Pollution and climate change are already changing human settlements and affecting the quality of life for many. A report recently released by the real estate company Redfin shows that between 2021 and 2022, roughly 1.2 million people moved away from cities that are at high risk of having poor air quality. Cities that are categorized as having a high risk for poor air quality include major metropolitan areas in several Western states. These states include California, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Air quality concerns in these Western cities are often tied to an increase in wildfires. Smoke from these fires may lead to higher levels of air Pollution. Between 2000 and 2021, the number of days with poor air quality increased by 477 percent in the Western United States. Indeed, in the American West, more than 85 percent of homes in 13 metro areas have a high risk of poor air quality. 

Between 2020 and 2021, the Redfin study shows that two-thirds of these 13 metro areas had more people move away than move in. This coincides with an increasing number of people who are moving to cities with a lower risk of poor air quality. These cities are in states which include Texas, Florida, and Arizona. 

However, despite having less air Pollution, these cities are still poised to be affected by Climate change. For example, Arizona and Texas are both dry climates that struggle with drought. In Texas, wildfires could also soon affect air quality, as their prevalence has increased in the state. Conversely, Florida has seen increased flooding and damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. 

Despite concerns over Climate change and air quality, the majority of people who moved out of Western cities cited space, cost, and proximity to family as their main reasons for moving. Only nine percent stated that Climate change was the reason for their move. 

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