We were considering a house in Florida but for various reasons, hurricanes being one of them, have decided against doing so. So, I would not be surprised for the substantially increased frequency of hurricanes to deter students as well.
I would also think LBTGQ students might hesitate to go to school in places that were hostile to their existence. But, I would not imagine thinking about that by state. I understand that Auburn is a liberal enclave within Alabama and that the Research Triangle Area of NC could be a welcoming area even if other parts of the state are not.