Discussion Paper
Hurricane Helene's Impact on Housing in Western North Carolina
Abstract: Approximately six months ago, Hurricane Helene brought devastation to parts of the Fifth District, with communities in Western North Carolina1 (WNC) sustaining particularly severe damage. Today, communities are still recovering from Helene's impact — from profound loss of life to loss of property and critical infrastructure. Hurricanes can create unfavorable housing market conditions in affected areas, including damage to existing housing stock, reduction in housing supply, and deterioration of asset values. Prior to the storm, many WNC communities already exhibited signs of substantial housing market tightness. Now, Helene's destruction of residential real estate has disrupted the housing market, raising questions about the storm's long-term impact on housing availability and affordability.
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https://www.richmondfed.org/region_communities/regional_data_analysis/regional_matters/2025/helene_impact_housing_western_north_carolina
Description: Discussion Paper
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Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
Part of Series: Regional Matters
Publication Date: 2025-03-27