Climate Risk Profile: Houghton, SA
Houghton is a suburb in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, facing moderate risks from flooding and bushfires. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, with increasing temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events.
Is Houghton Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Houghton, South Australia, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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Overall Risk Score
Hazard Breakdown
Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Houghton
Flood
Houghton faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location in the Adelaide Hills, with potential for flash flooding from heavy rainfall events.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
Houghton is located in a bushfire-prone area, with a high risk of bushfires during hot and dry conditions. The surrounding Adelaide Hills bushland increases the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased fuel load
Heat
Houghton experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected in the future.
Key drivers:
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Houghton has a very low risk from coastal hazards due to its inland location.
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Houghton
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Houghton experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected in the future.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Houghton faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location in the Adelaide Hills, with potential for flash flooding from heavy rainfall events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Climate change
coastal Risk
Houghton has a very low risk from coastal hazards due to its inland location.
Data sourcebushfire Risk
Houghton is located in a bushfire-prone area, with a high risk of bushfires during hot and dry conditions. The surrounding Adelaide Hills bushland increases the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased fuel load
- ·Climate change
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to the elevated risk of flooding and bushfires.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
- 3.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
- 4.Consider climate change projections when making long-term investment decisions.
How the region's climate is projected to change
Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.
Temperature
+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030
Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.
Rainfall
Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030
The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.
Fire weather
Harsher, magnitude uncertain
High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.
Sea level
+0.12 m by 2030
At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.
Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →
Adaptation Recommendations
Improve Flood Defenses
Near-termInvest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risks, such as improved drainage systems and flood barriers.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreBushfire Preparedness
ImmediateImplement bushfire management strategies, including fuel reduction and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreHeatwave Preparedness
Near-termDevelop heatwave response plans and provide cooling centers for vulnerable residents.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCommunity Awareness Programs
Long-termEducate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Houghton's Climate Risk Profile
Houghton, nestled in the Adelaide Hills, is characterized by its picturesque landscapes and proximity to natural bushland. This idyllic setting, however, also brings inherent environmental risks, particularly from flooding and bushfires.
The suburb's location makes it susceptible to flash flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change projections indicate an increase in the intensity of rainfall events, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding in the future. Residents should be aware of flood risks and take necessary precautions.
Bushfire risk is also a significant concern for Houghton. The surrounding bushland creates a high fuel load, increasing the likelihood of bushfires, especially during hot and dry summer months. Climate change is expected to worsen bushfire conditions, with longer fire seasons and more intense fires.
While Houghton is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, can still affect the suburb. Residents should stay informed about climate change projections and take steps to adapt to the changing environment.
Addressing these climate risks requires a collaborative effort from residents, local government, and emergency services. Implementing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies is crucial to protecting the community and preserving the natural beauty of Houghton.
Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.
Local Government Resources
Adelaide Hills Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks in Houghton?
Houghton faces moderate risks from flooding and bushfires, with increasing temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events projected in the future.
How is the Adelaide Hills Council addressing climate change?
The Adelaide Hills Council is developing and implementing climate strategies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
What can residents do to prepare for bushfires?
Residents can prepare for bushfires by clearing vegetation around their homes, developing a bushfire survival plan, and staying informed about fire danger ratings.
What are the potential impacts of climate change on property values in Houghton?
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increased risk of flooding and bushfires.
Where can I find more information about climate change projections for Houghton?
You can find more information about climate change projections for Houghton on the CSIRO website and the South Australian government's environment website.
Get your property's risk report
This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Houghton, use our analysis tool.
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What A$49 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections