How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Flood Insurance Include?
Flood insurance protects your home and belongings from flood damage — which standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover. Available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers, it's required for federally-backed mortgages in high-risk flood zones.
The national average cost for flood insurance is $900 per year. Most homeowners pay between $400 and $3,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Flood Zone
Low-to-moderate risk (Zone X): $400-$800/year. High risk (Zone A/AE): $1,000-$3,000+/year. Coastal (Zone V): $2,000-$5,000+/year
NFIP Risk Rating 2.0
FEMA's new rating system (since 2021) bases premiums on specific property characteristics, distance to water, and flood frequency. Rates vary widely
Coverage
NFIP max: $250,000 building + $100,000 contents. Excess/private flood: higher limits available
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Flood zone designation
- ✓Home elevation
- ✓Coverage amounts
- ✓NFIP vs private insurer
- ✓Foundation type
- ✓Prior flood claims
- ✓Community Rating System discount
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.An elevation certificate ($200-$600) may prove your home is lower risk than mapped, reducing premiums significantly
- 2.NFIP rates are standardized but private flood insurers may offer 20-50% lower rates
- 3.Raise utilities and HVAC above base flood elevation to lower premiums
- 4.Your community's CRS (Community Rating System) participation can provide 5-45% discounts
📈 Flood Insurance Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.8% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $764 | — |
| 2021 | $796 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $848 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $872 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $900 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Flood Insurance Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $328 | $738 | $2,460 |
| Alaska | $512 | $1,152 | $3,840 |
| Arizona | $380 | $855 | $2,850 |
| Arkansas | $320 | $720 | $2,400 |
| California | $540 | $1,215 | $4,050 |
| Colorado | $432 | $972 | $3,240 |
| Connecticut | $488 | $1,098 | $3,660 |
| Delaware | $420 | $945 | $3,150 |
| Florida | $392 | $882 | $2,940 |
| Georgia | $360 | $810 | $2,700 |
| Hawaii | $568 | $1,278 | $4,260 |
| Idaho | $368 | $828 | $2,760 |
| Illinois | $420 | $945 | $3,150 |
| Indiana | $352 | $792 | $2,640 |
| Iowa | $344 | $774 | $2,580 |
| Kansas | $340 | $765 | $2,550 |
| Kentucky | $336 | $756 | $2,520 |
| Louisiana | $348 | $783 | $2,610 |
| Maine | $408 | $918 | $3,060 |
| Maryland | $460 | $1,035 | $3,450 |
| Massachusetts | $520 | $1,170 | $3,900 |
| Michigan | $368 | $828 | $2,760 |
| Minnesota | $408 | $918 | $3,060 |
| Mississippi | $312 | $702 | $2,340 |
| Missouri | $348 | $783 | $2,610 |
| Montana | $380 | $855 | $2,850 |
| Nebraska | $352 | $792 | $2,640 |
| Nevada | $408 | $918 | $3,060 |
| New Hampshire | $448 | $1,008 | $3,360 |
| New Jersey | $500 | $1,125 | $3,750 |
| New Mexico | $360 | $810 | $2,700 |
| New York | $528 | $1,188 | $3,960 |
| North Carolina | $360 | $810 | $2,700 |
| North Dakota | $360 | $810 | $2,700 |
| Ohio | $360 | $810 | $2,700 |
| Oklahoma | $332 | $747 | $2,490 |
| Oregon | $440 | $990 | $3,300 |
| Pennsylvania | $408 | $918 | $3,060 |
| Rhode Island | $460 | $1,035 | $3,450 |
| South Carolina | $348 | $783 | $2,610 |
| South Dakota | $340 | $765 | $2,550 |
| Tennessee | $344 | $774 | $2,580 |
| Texas | $372 | $837 | $2,790 |
| Utah | $380 | $855 | $2,850 |
| Vermont | $432 | $972 | $3,240 |
| Virginia | $420 | $945 | $3,150 |
| Washington | $460 | $1,035 | $3,450 |
| West Virginia | $320 | $720 | $2,400 |
| Wisconsin | $376 | $846 | $2,820 |
| Wyoming | $368 | $828 | $2,760 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need flood insurance?
Required if you have a federally-backed mortgage in a high-risk flood zone (A or V zones). Even in lower-risk areas, 25-30% of all flood claims come from outside high-risk zones. The average flood claim is over $50,000. With no flood insurance, you'll pay out of pocket or rely on limited FEMA assistance.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
No — standard homeowners insurance explicitly excludes flood damage. This is the single most common coverage gap homeowners discover after a disaster. Flood insurance must be purchased separately through NFIP or a private insurer. There's a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
🏙️ Flood Insurance Cost by City
Compare flood insurance costs in the most popular US cities:
View all 219 cities →
Related Cost Guides
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Flood Insurance
Recent Reports
📐 Flood Insurance Cost Calculator
Get a personalized estimate based on your project details
Compare Insurance Rates
See how much you could save with free quotes from top carriers.
🔍 Compare Insurance Rates
See how much you could save. Compare quotes from top insurance companies in minutes.
* CostWhale may earn a commission. This doesn't affect our pricing data or recommendations.
💰 Get Weekly Cost-Saving Tips
Join 10,000+ smart homeowners. Unsubscribe anytime.