Wettest Cities in America -  A guide for homeowners, buyers and contractors

If you’re looking to move to one of the wettest cities in America or if you’re looking to expand your home improvement company to a city where the calls for new gutters, roofs, and home repairs are rampant, this article is for you. We’ll tell you the wettest cities in the US and give homeowners, home buyers, and local tradesmen what it costs to weather the storms.

What are the benefits of living in a heavy rain city?

If these cities are so drenched, why do people stick around? Well, the answer is simple—there’s more to these places than their soggy reputations! Let’s dive into what makes these cities worth calling home:

1. Natural Beauty Everywhere You Look
   Wet weather often means lush, green landscapes. Cities like Mobile, New Orleans, or even tropical Hilo, Hawaii, are surrounded by breathtaking scenery—think vibrant forests, stunning coastlines, and rich biodiversity. Rain may dampen your clothes, but it keeps the world around you alive and thriving.
2. Rich Culture and History
   Many of the wettest cities are also cultural hotspots. New Orleans, for example, is world-famous for its music, food, and festivals. People aren’t just living here for the rain—they’re here for the lifestyle, the history, and the sense of community you can’t find anywhere else.
3. Thriving Economies
   Coastal cities tend to be economic hubs, with industries like shipping, tourism, and fishing driving local growth. The rainfall might be heavy, but the job opportunities are, too. People often live in these areas because of the abundant career prospects and thriving local economies.
4. A Laid-Back Lifestyle
   Rainy days have their own charm—think cozy cafes, vibrant indoor markets, or even the chance to slow down and enjoy life. In some cities, the rhythm of the rain matches a more relaxed pace of life that many people appreciate.
5. It’s Home
   For a lot of people, it’s as simple as that. These cities are where their families are, where they’ve built their lives, and where their hearts feel most at home. A little (or a lot of) rain is just part of the package; for them, it’s well worth it.
6. It’s more affordable
   Wet cities can also be affordable, making them attractive places to live. For example, cities like Mobile, Alabama, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, offer lower living costs than many drier, high-demand areas. While you might need an umbrella handy, you’ll also find more budget-friendly housing and everyday expenses, making these rain-soaked cities easier on the wallet.

It's not the number of rain days, its how much rainfall per day

When we talk about the "wettest cities in America," most people assume we mean the places with rain daily. But here’s the twist—wettest doesn’t always mean rainiest! Some cities with the most annual rainfall don’t see rain every day; they just get more rain per day when it happens. Let’s break it down:



1. It’s All About Location
   The wettest cities, like Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana, are close to big water sources like the Gulf of Mexico. This means warm, moist air rolls in, and when it rains, cats and dogs fall from the skies! Think heavy thunderstorms and tropical storms instead of drizzles.
2. Big Storms Pack a Punch
   In these areas, rain often comes from major weather events—like hurricanes or tropical storms—that dump several inches of water quickly. One big storm can do more than weeks of Seattle drizzle!
3. Seasonal Soakers
   Some of these wet cities have rainy seasons, during which most of their precipitation comes in intense bursts. Outside of these seasons, there is not much rain at all. It’s feast or famine when it comes to wet weather.
4. Seattle vs. the South
   Speaking of Seattle, it’s a great example of the flip side. Places like Seattle and Portland have way more rainy days in a year, but their rain tends to be light and steady. It adds up more slowly over time than bucket-dumping rainstorms in the South.

Top wettest cities by annual rainfall

Below are the top 25 wettest cities in America with each city's approximate annual rainfall, population and average monthly household income. This will help you as a homeowner, home buyer, rental property, and home improvement company understand the financial impact of moving to one of these cities and/or running a local business.

Rain-Ready Checklist: Keep Your Home and Belongings Safe

Protect Your Home

• Inspect Your Roof: Check for missing shingles, leaks, or signs of damage.
• Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove debris to prevent clogs and ensure water flows properly.
• Seal Windows and Doors: Look for gaps and cracks, then seal them to keep out water and drafts.
• Waterproof Your Basement: Fix cracks and use waterproofing solutions to prevent moisture problems.

Emergency Homeowner Checklist for Storms

The top 15 things every homeowner should have ready for that next big storm are:

1. Waterproof Backpack: Keep your belongings safe and organized with a multi-compartment, waterproof backpack.
2. High-Quality Raincoat: Choose a breathable, waterproof raincoat for extra protection. A longer style offers better coverage.
3. Wind-Resistant Umbrella: Pick a sturdy, compact umbrella that’s easy to carry.
4. Waterproof Footwear: Wear lightweight, waterproof boots or shoes for comfort and dry feet.
5. Quick-Dry Clothing: Pack clothes made of quick-drying fabrics to stay comfortable.
6. Moisture-Wicking Socks and Undergarments: These keep you dry in wet or humid conditions.
7. Waterproof Phone Case: Protect your phone from water damage, especially when taking photos in the rain.
8. Dry Bags: Use these to store electronics or important documents safely.
9. Compact Travel Towel: Carry a fast-drying towel for unexpected rain or quick cleanups.
10. Rain Pants: For extra protection during outdoor activities, waterproof pants are a great choice.
11. Hat with a Brim: A waterproof hat helps protect your face and improve visibility in heavy rain.
12. Portable Clothesline and Clips: Handy for drying clothes when traveling or during rainy weather.
13. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated even in wet weather with an eco-friendly reusable bottle.
14. Generator: If the power goes out, pull the chain and keep those lights on!

Top 10 Cities to open a new Home Improvement Company Based on Rainfall and Population

We used evaluation criteria based on the following formulas to provide you with the top 10 cities to expand your Gutter, Roofing, HVAC, Plumbing, Restoration, or Construction / Remodeling business due to the effects of severe rainfall.

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Population (50% weight): Larger populations represent more potential customers.
2. Earnings (30% weight): Higher household incomes can indicate a greater ability to afford home services.
3. Rainfall (20% weight): More rainfall may increase the need for services like gutters and roofing.

Ranking Process:

1. Population Score: Rank cities based on population, assigning the highest score to the largest population.
2. Earnings Score: Rank cities based on the midpoint of the income range, assigning the highest score to the highest income.
3. Rainfall Score: Rank cities based on annual rainfall, assigning the highest score to the city with the most rainfall.
4. Weighted Total Score: Combine scores based on the specified weights to determine the overall ranking.

Home Improvement Upgrades to consider

Living in one of America’s rainiest cities requires homeowners to pay special attention to certain aspects of their homes. Proper maintenance of gutters, roofing, plumbing, HVAC systems, and landscaping is crucial to ensure the home remains safe, comfortable, and damage-free. 

Gutters and Gutter Guards: In cities with high rainfall, gutters play a vital role in directing water away from your home’s foundation. Regular cleaning and maintenance of gutters prevent blockages and water damage. Installing gutter guards can be a wise investment, as they help keep debris out, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and preventing overflow during heavy rains.

Roofing: The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the rain. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to identify and repair any damage like cracked or missing shingles, ensuring your roof remains watertight. This proactive approach can prevent costly water damage to the interior of your home. If you're looking for the longest lasting roofs around; that's metal roofing. If you're on a budget consider shingle roofing.

Plumbing: High rainfall can increase the risk of plumbing issues such as backups and flooding. Ensuring that your home’s drainage systems are functioning properly is crucial. This includes checking sump pumps, drains, and ensuring that the sewage system is not prone to backflows during heavy rains.

HVAC Systems: In humid and rainy environments, HVAC systems work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. Regular servicing of these systems is essential to prevent mold growth and to ensure efficient operation, which can also reduce energy costs.

Landscaping: Proper landscaping is vital in rainy areas. It involves designing the outdoor space to facilitate proper drainage, preventing water accumulation near the foundation. Using plants that thrive in wet conditions can help absorb excess water and reduce soil erosion.

About Us

Talents Into Profits (TIP) is a cutting edge marketing company built specifically for home improvement and local trades. We offer full digital marketing solutions at a fraction of the cost due to our experience and usage of AI.

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The TIP Team