
A new AI-driven study by ZestyAI finds that $2.15 trillion worth of U.S. residential property is at high risk of wildfire damage, affecting millions of homes beyond historically fire-prone regions.
AI-powered analysis of 126 million properties nationwide identified 4.3 million homes facing significant wildfire risk. While California leads with $1.16 trillion in exposed property, other states—such as Colorado, Utah, and North Carolina—are also at risk. Expanding development in fire-prone areas and shifting climate conditions are driving up insurance costs and coverage concerns.
The study highlights the role of AI in wildfire risk assessment, moving beyond outdated regional models to provide property-specific insights. According to ZestyAI’s CEO, these advanced analytics have helped insurers extend coverage to hundreds of thousands of previously uninsurable properties. As wildfire threats grow, the insurance industry must adapt to ensure adequate protection for homeowners nationwide.