Key Drivers of Coastal Relocation in Spatial Clusters Along the US East Coast

Coastal flooding has been increasing in frequency and severity across the US East Coast, adversely impacting the human population. Preferred adaptation strategies, such as protection and accommodation, may prove insufficient under current climate change scenarios and projected future sea level rise, prompting the coastal population to consider relocation as a more efficient disaster risk reduction strategy. This study focuses on the flood-prone urban areas along the US East Coast where residents are more willing to relocate due to coastal flooding. Using the survey data, it evaluates the flood experiences, considerations toward relocation, and preferences for relocation destinations. The extent of top concerns influencing respondents' willingness to relocate, such as crime rate, buyout programs, access to critical services and amenities, and availability of comparable housing, were further explored as indirect relocation drivers. Four study locations with heightened relocation potential were identified across urban areas on the US East Coast. Relocation drivers such as crime and limited access to services and amenities are not significantly present in these study locations. However, the absence of buyout programs and affordable housing options in similar communities leaves low-income households trapped in high-risk zones, exacerbating socioeconomic disparities, and increasing the disproportionate risk faced by marginalized populations. The findings have important implications for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders involved in climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction efforts. They highlight the need for targeted interventions to address socioeconomic vulnerabilities, promote equitable access to housing, and enhance the resilience of communities facing coastal hazards.