May Downs vs McCutcheon — Which is Safer?

Compare climate risk between May Downs, Queensland and McCutcheon, Queensland. Our analysis uses data from BOM, CSIRO, and state hazard authorities to score each suburb across 6 climate hazards.

36/100
Moderate
30/100
Low
Hazard
Flood50/10044/100
Bushfire52/10023/100
Heat49/10043/100
Storm20/10044/100
Coastal27/10011/100
Cyclone17/10013/100

How to Interpret These Scores

Each hazard is scored from 0 (minimal risk) to 100 (severe risk). Scores are derived from BOM historical data, CSIRO climate projections, and state hazard authority mapping. A score of 50 means the property is in the moderate range — above average risk but not extreme. Scores above 67 indicate high risk requiring due diligence.

Minimal
0-16
Low
17-33
Moderate
34-50
Elevated
51-66
High
67-83
Severe
84-100

Insurance Cost Trajectory

Based on the hazard scores for these suburbs, current annual insurance premiums are estimated around A$4,736. With projected climate changes under RCP 8.5, premiums could rise to approximately A$6,630 by 2030 and A$12,314 by 2050. These projections align with Insurance Council of Australia data showing 28% average premium increases nationally between 2022-2025, with higher-risk areas seeing 80-120% increases.

Current
A$4,736
2030 (RCP 4.5)
A$6,630
2050 (RCP 8.5)
A$12,314

Property Value Climate Impact

Rising insurance premiums directly impact property values. Research from the Insurance Council of Australia and climate risk analysts shows that properties in areas with higher climate risk can experience a climate value drag. For a median-priced home, this could mean a potential impact of around A$37,890 or more over time.

Verdict

McCutcheon has a lower overall climate risk score (30/100) compared to May Downs (36/100). We recommend getting an address-level report for properties in both suburbs before making a purchase decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May Downs or McCutcheon safer from flooding?
May Downs has a flood risk score of 50/100, while McCutcheon scores 44/100. A lower score indicates lower flood risk. Get an address-level flood risk report for a specific property.
Which suburb has lower bushfire risk?
May Downs scores 52/100 for bushfire risk. McCutcheon scores 23/100. Fire risk depends on proximity to vegetation and local fire history.
Should I buy in May Downs or McCutcheon?
Both suburbs have climate considerations. McCutcheon has a lower overall climate risk score. We recommend getting a full ClimateNest report for any specific property you're considering, which includes 8 hazard scores, insurance projections, and actionable recommendations.

Check Your Flood Risk Now

Check May Downs's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

May Downs vs McCutcheon — Climate Risk Comparison | ClimateNest | ClimateNest