Zillow Quietly Removes Climate Risk Scores as Accuracy Concerns Grow

Zillow has stopped showing climate-related risk scores on more than a million property listings, ending a feature the company introduced just last year. According to reporting by The New York Times, the nation’s largest real estate listings platform removed the data quietly in November after sustained complaints from real estate groups, especially in California.

The climate ratings provided by First Street Foundation were designed to give buyers insight into a home’s risk from flooding, wildfire, extreme heat, wind, and air quality issues. The scores appeared alongside standard listing information like price, photos, and neighborhood data.

But many real estate agents argued that the ratings hurt sales, and homeowners who disagreed with their assigned risk level discovered there was no appeals process to correct or challenge the data. These concerns ultimately pressured Zillow to pause the feature.

California MLS Cites Issues With Flood Modeling

Much of the pushback came from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS), one of the largest MLS systems in the United States and a key data provider for Zillow.

CRMLS leaders questioned the accuracy of First Street’s flood models, saying the way risk was presented could unfairly affect home values.

Art Carter, CEO of CRMLS, explained that labeling a property with a specific flood probability such as the chance of flooding within one or five years can significantly influence how desirable that home appears to potential buyers. Even small shifts in perceived risk can alter interest and, eventually, pricing.

California’s concerns are not surprising. The state frequently faces extreme weather:

• Atmospheric river storms that bring heavy rain, flash flooding, and mudslides
• Wildfire-prone terrain where burn scars increase runoff risk
• Rapid swings in weather patterns tied to climate change

A recent example came in mid-November when two Pacific storms drenched parts of the state within days. The first wave brought an atmospheric river that triggered flooding and debris flows across the Los Angeles region, according to Weather.com.

Zillow Still Provides Access to Climate Scores, But Not Directly on Listings

In a statement, Zillow spokesperson Claire Carroll said the company remains committed to offering consumers helpful information, but confirmed that the climate risk scores would no longer appear directly on listing pages.

Instead, Zillow now provides links to First Street’s website, allowing interested buyers to look up climate risk details independently.

This move creates a middle ground Zillow avoids disputes with agents and MLS partners while still giving buyers a pathway to review climate risk if they choose.

Why Climate Risk Data Remains Complicated

Predicting the future impact of climate-related hazards especially in a warming world is inherently difficult. Rising temperatures can intensify storms, expand wildfire zones, and alter flood patterns in ways traditional models may not fully capture.

First Street’s models in particular have suggested that millions of properties face higher flood exposure than federal government estimates indicate, sparking debate in the real estate and insurance industries.

For homeowners, these projections carry real financial implications:

• Homes exposed to greater climate risk may see lower long-term values
• Insurance availability and premiums can shift dramatically by region
• Buyers may avoid certain areas altogether if risk appears too high

The accuracy and communication of climate data are therefore crucial.

Other Real Estate Sites Still Display Climate Scores

While Zillow has stepped back, several competing platforms continue to display climate risk data:

• Redfin
• Realtor.com
• Homes.com

These sites integrate First Street’s climate models alongside features such as school ratings, public transit access, and walkability.

As more buyers prioritize environmental factors such as flood zones and wildfire exposure, the presence or absence of climate data on listings could become a significant competitive differentiator. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.