In September 2024, Hurricane Helene carved a path of devastation through the Southeastern United States. Over a year later, homeowners are still feeling the impact.
Hurricane Helene caused an estimated $2.5 billion in property damage in Georgia alone. By the spring of 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency had approved over $364 million in emergency grants and more than $26 million in NFIP flood claims — vital funding to help families rebuild their homes and lives. Yet a massive gap remained, forcing many to bridge the path to recovery on their own.
The steep cost of Helene changed how some residents view their future in the Peach State. More than 1 in 3 Georgia homeowners say they now think differently about owning a house here — and the growing cost of home insurance plays a major role in that thinking.
Key takeaways
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37% of Georgia homeowners say the impact of Hurricane Helene changed their views on owning a home in the state. Of all Georgia homeowners surveyed:
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20% are now more anxious about storm damage.
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14% actively checked their home insurance policies.
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7% considered moving to a lower-risk state.
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6% changed or updated their home insurance policies.
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2% changed home insurance providers.
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34% of inland Georgia homeowners say Hurricane Helene changed their perspective on the risk of hurricanes.
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22% of Georgia homeowners say a mandatory statewide cap on annual property tax assessment increases would significantly increase their likelihood of staying in their current home.
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35% say it would have a moderate impact on their financial planning.
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22% say it would have little or no impact on their housing decisions.
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4% are already under a local cap.
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43% of Georgia homeowners say increasing the statewide homestead exemption amount (currently $2,000 off state taxes for homeowners) would most effectively address housing affordability in Georgia.
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37% say reducing the state’s income tax to offset rising housing costs would be most effective.
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23% of Georgia homeowners say an insurance carrier required them to replace a roof as a condition of purchasing, renewing, or keeping their policy.
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15% paid for the roof replacement out of pocket.
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8% switched insurance carriers instead.
Hurricane Helene changed the way Georgians view homeownership
Homeowners in Georgia are rethinking their financial future in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Over a third (37%) of Georgia homeowners say their views on owning a home here have changed since Helene hit in late 2024, and 7% of that group have considered moving to a state that faces lower climate risks.
For those willing to stay, homeownership now requires a different mentality — one defined by a much closer look at their insurance. One in 5 (20%) say they’re more anxious about storm damage than before, and 14% have actively checked their Georgia home insurance policies.
An annual policy review is the best way to address coverage gaps and streamline the claims process. Understanding exactly what’s covered — and what isn’t — removes the guesswork if another storm hits.
Still, most Georgia homeowners haven't acted yet: only 6% changed or updated their policies, and just 2% switched to a new insurance company.
Nearly 1 in 4 Georgia homeowners want a statewide cap on property tax increases
Storm fears and home insurance challenges aren’t the only burdens Georgia homeowners face. Rising property taxes also threaten the sustainability of homeownership in the Peach State.
Shortly after Hurricane Helene, Georgia voters approved a November 2024 ballot measure to cap property tax increases through a new statewide homestead exemption. But the bill provided a loophole allowing cities, counties, and school systems to opt out of the cap — which is exactly what many municipalities did. Over a year later, just 4% of homeowners say they’re currently under a local property tax assessment cap.
The state legislature is currently reviewing a bill (SB 382) that would make the cap on property tax increases mandatory for all local governments and school systems. One in 5 homeowners (22%) say a mandatory cap would increase their likelihood of staying in the state, while 35% say it would moderately impact their financial planning. Only 22% feel that the proposed mandatory cap wouldn’t have an impact on their housing decisions.
43% of Georgia homeowners want a larger homestead exemption tax break
In addition to making the homestead exemption mandatory statewide, a significant number of Georgia homeowners favor increasing the tax break it offers. The current exemption is $2,000, with higher amounts available for some seniors, disabled veterans, and other special groups.
For 43% of Georgia homeowners, a larger homestead exemption seems like the most effective way to keep housing in Georgia affordable. But 37% point to another tax solution: reducing the state income tax to offset the rising cost of shelter.
15% of Georgia homeowners replaced their roof to get or keep insurance coverage
Amid ongoing concerns about the affordability and sustainability of homeownership in the state, some residents are encountering new challenges when it comes to insurance. Nearly 1 in 4 (23%) of Georgia homeowners say their insurance company gave them an ultimatum: replace your roof, or we won’t insure your home.
A home’s roof is a key point of defense against wind, hail, and other hurricane damage. Insurers view aging or damaged roofs as a major risk. As a result, they may require a homeowner to replace the roof or make specific repairs before agreeing to provide coverage.
When faced with this stipulation, 15% of homeowners in Georgia say they paid out of pocket for a roof replacement. Costs typically range from $8,000 to upwards of $20,000, depending on the roof size and materials used.
With price tags this high, 8% of homeowners chose to switch insurers rather than pay for a new roof.
"A $15,000 out-of-pocket roof replacement is a heavy lift for any family, and the fact that nearly 1 in 4 Georgia homeowners have faced this requirement highlights a difficult but necessary reality,” says Angel Conlin, Chief Insurance & Compliance Officer at Kin Insurance.
“The reason insurers focus on roof condition is the same reason homeowners should: an aging roof isn't just an insurance issue, it's a safety issue. When a storm hits, the roof is the first line of defense, and an older roof simply won't perform when it matters most. Homeowners who prioritize structural integrity, through maintenance or upgrades like the FORTIFIED standard, aren't just satisfying an insurance requirement — they're actively making their home safer, protecting its valuation, and earning themselves lower insurance costs. We want homeowners to be in the best possible position, and understanding the increased safety and value of a strong home is critical."
Tips for evaluating and caring for your roof in Georgia
Home insurance companies in Georgia focus on roofs for a reason. In the event of a major storm, a strong, well-maintained roof can mean the difference between minor damage and significant destruction.
Follow these tips to preserve your roof’s health in Georgia:
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Perform seasonal maintenance: Clean gutters, remove branches and debris, and inspect your roof when the seasons change or when a major storm is expected. Maintenance can prevent damage and slow the impact of weather and aging on your roof.
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Schedule a professional inspection: A professional can detect hidden damage or aging that often goes unnoticed. This relatively small upfront cost helps you tackle minor repairs early, extending the life of your roof and avoiding costly future upgrades.
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Make low-cost, high-impact upgrades: Installing hurricane straps or clips is a simple way to reinforce your roof for storm season without making major renovations.
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Invest in a FORTIFIED roof: If you’re replacing an older roof, consider upgrading to the IBHS FORTIFIED standard. These roofs are engineered with a sealed deck and reinforced edges to keep water out and shingles attached during hurricane-force winds. Under Georgia law, insurers are required to offer premium discounts for FORTIFIED-certified homes, making this one of the most effective ways to lower your long-term insurance costs while protecting your property.
Methodology
Kin commissioned Pollfish to poll a nationally representative sample of 1,000 American adults between the ages of 18 and 65 who currently own a single-family home in Georgia. (For the purposes of this survey, apartments, condos, mobile, and manufactured homes did not qualify as single-family homes.) The survey was performed online on February 16, 2026. Percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number.
