52,610 flood insurance claims·$576.9M paid·30,181 policies in force
Shaded areas are FEMA’s mapped flood hazard zones in and around Illinois. Zoomed out they are simplified; at street level the map switches to FEMA’s exact layer. Tap anywhere to check that spot, or search an address above.
Illinois faces a mixed flood risk profile driven predominantly by frequent flash floods and riverine flooding events. Over the last 30 years, NOAA data records 3,214 flash flood events resulting in 27 deaths, alongside 3,146 general flood events causing 34 deaths. Lakeshore flooding is comparatively rare, accounting for only 8 recorded events during the same period.
Federal disaster declarations reflect this persistent severe weather vulnerability, highlighted by multiple declarations for severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding issued on July 13, 2024. These ongoing weather patterns underline the state's exposure to compound storm systems that trigger widespread inundation.
National Flood Insurance Program claims data indicates that Zone A carries the heaviest financial and volume burden, with 35,606 claims totaling $440 million paid out at an average of $15,548 per claim. This demonstrates that residents in Zone A face the highest necessity for coverage. However, surprise claims still occur outside designated high-risk areas. For instance, Zone X properties recorded 5,488 claims totaling $67 million with an average payout of $16,852, while unshaded and shaded Zone X categories logged thousands of additional claims. Even properties with unknown or unshaded designations see financial impacts, proving that flood risks extend beyond standard high-risk boundaries.
Summary generated from FEMA disaster declarations, NOAA storm events, and NFIP claim data. Updated quarterly.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims, Policies, and Disaster Declarations data. NFIP policies in force and average premium (premium plus federal policy fee) as of August 31, 2026, from OpenFEMA.
Illinois has received 1,313 federal disaster declarations, including 325 flood and coastal storm declarations.
NFIP claims by county, 1978 to date. Source: OpenFEMA. Counties ranked by recorded flood events →
Properties in Illinois FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, or a federally backed loan, are required to carry flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Illinois had 30,181 NFIP policies in force on August 31, 2026, and the average NFIP premium was $1,072 a year (premium plus the federal policy fee; the reserve fund assessment and HFIAA surcharge come on top, and nationally they make actual bills about a quarter higher). Under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 each building is priced on its own flood risk, so a state average says little about what any one home will pay.
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. Illinois 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 Illinois →
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