Enter any Georgia address to see its FEMA flood zone designation
Georgia experiences a mixed flood risk profile, with flash floods being the most frequent event type over the last 30 years, followed closely by tropical storms. These events have resulted in a significant number of fatalities, underscoring the diverse threats posed by water.
The state's flood risk extends from its coast, impacted by tropical storms, hurricanes, and coastal flooding, to its inland areas susceptible to flash floods and riverine flooding. Recent federal disaster declarations highlight the recurring threat of hurricanes and tropical storms, such as Hurricane Helene in 2024, which brought both tropical storm and hurricane conditions.
National Flood Insurance Program data indicates that Zone A, representing areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding, has the highest number of claims and the largest total payout, suggesting a substantial portion of flood risk is concentrated in these identified high-risk areas. However, Zone X, encompassing moderate to low flood risk areas, also shows a considerable number of claims, with average payouts comparable to Zone A, indicating that flood events can occur and result in significant losses even outside of the most commonly recognized high-risk zones.
Summary generated from FEMA disaster declarations, NOAA storm events, and NFIP claim data. Updated quarterly.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims, Policies, and Disaster Declarations data.
Georgia has received 2,765 federal disaster declarations, including 62 flood and coastal storm declarations and 557 hurricane declarations.
FEMA designates flood zones across Georgia 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 — from 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside high-risk zones.
Properties in Georgia 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).
The average NFIP premium in Georgia is approximately $637 per year. Rates vary significantly based on flood zone, building elevation, and coverage amount.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from properties outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area. Georgia residents can purchase flood insurance through the NFIP or private insurers.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.
See the most flood-prone counties in Georgia →
Select a county to view local flood zone data and disaster history:
Select a city to check flood zone information: