Enter any District of Columbia address to see its FEMA flood zone designation
District of Columbia has areas at risk of flooding from various sources including rivers, coastal storms, and heavy rainfall. FEMA has mapped flood zones across the state to identify areas at risk.
FEMA designates flood zones across District of Columbia using the following classifications:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding (100-year floodplain). Insurance required for federal mortgages.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action. Strictest building codes.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain. Insurance recommended.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains. Insurance optional but advisable — 20%+ of NFIP claims come from low-risk zones.
Properties in District of Columbia FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. NFIP claims data shows that over 20% of claims nationwide come from low and moderate-risk areas. District of Columbia residents can purchase flood insurance through the NFIP or private insurers.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.
Select a county to view local flood zone data and disaster history: