Interest grows among average homeowners for private nuclear bunkers

Private nuclear bunkers, once a symbol of the ultra-wealthy, are now attracting interest from average homeowners. These structures, typically made of steel and equipped with an NBC air filtration system, are gaining popularity amid global tensions. Ron Hubbard, CEO of Atlas Survival Shelters in Texas, noted a significant increase in inquiries following the invasion of Ukraine.

The market for fallout shelters is projected to grow from $137 million in 2023 to $175 million by 2030, according to Blue Weave Consulting. "My customers are concerned about nuclear war, biological attacks, or any kind of chemical attacks," Hubbard said. The COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Gaza have also contributed to rising sales.

Despite this trend, experts question the necessity of such bunkers. Jameson Tyler Drew, a California real estate investor who has sold homes with Cold War-era bunkers, warns that survival after a nuclear event would be challenging due to scarce resources like food and water.

Alicia Sanders-Zakre from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons argues that bunkers provide a false sense of security and distract from efforts to reduce nuclear arsenals. Congressman James McGovern echoes this sentiment: "If we ever get to a point where there’s all-out nuclear war, underground bunkers aren’t going to protect people."

Historically, fallout shelters peaked during the Cold War era. Larry Samuel notes their resurgence today but highlights their original post-World War II prominence as expressions of the Atomic Age.

While other countries maintain civil defense mandates with public safety areas in case of attack—like Switzerland's vast network of underground bunkers—the U.S. lacks such infrastructure. Hubbard laments this absence: "If a nuclear bomb hit New York City, it would take everyone out."

For those still interested in personal protection against potential threats, high-end bunker options exist with luxury amenities similar to regular homes. The Survival Condo units outside Kansas City range from $1.5 million to $4 million and include facilities like swimming pools and hydroponic food production.

Experts suggest immediate sheltering as crucial for surviving a nuclear blast if one occurs nearby. Michael Dillon advises seeking robust buildings quickly as radioactive fallout arrives within minutes post-blast.

Hubbard acknowledges that while his business sells many bunkers daily—sometimes even more than one per day—a bunker isn't essential for survival: "Nuclear war is very survivable if you’re prepared and know what to do." He cites examples near Las Vegas where numerous tests occurred without fatalities.

Even though sales have slowed recently due partly because President-elect Donald Trump has reassured some Republicans' sense of safety—Hubbard remains optimistic about long-term investments: "A bunker will last centuries...an investment for their children and grandchildren."