12,470 flood insurance claims·$156.3M paid·6,236 policies in force
Shaded areas are FEMA’s mapped flood hazard zones in and around Minnesota. 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.
Minnesota experiences a mixed flood risk profile characterized predominantly by inland flash floods and riverine floods. Over the past 30 years, NOAA data records 1,347 flash flood events resulting in 15 deaths, alongside 1,328 flood events resulting in 8 deaths. Lakeshore flood events total 11, while coastal flood events are rare at just 1. Recent federal disaster declarations underscore this ongoing inland threat, driven by severe storms and flooding on June 16, 2024.
National Flood Insurance Program claims data indicates that flood risks extend well beyond high-risk zones, highlighting where residents face potential financial impacts and where surprise claims occur. Zone A accounts for the highest volume and severity, with 6,933 claims totaling $101 million paid out and an average claim of $17,636, demonstrating that residents in this designated high-risk area face the most substantial insurance needs. However, significant activity occurs outside primary flood zones. Various categories of Zone X—including shaded, unshaded, and general—account for thousands of claims and tens of millions in paid losses, with averages ranging from $13,748 to $16,940. Furthermore, categories marked as unknown record 1,248 claims totaling $5 million. This distribution indicates that property owners outside traditional high-risk zones frequently experience flood losses and file claims, emphasizing that flood risk exists across multiple zone classifications in Minnesota.
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.
Minnesota has received 1,623 federal disaster declarations, including 719 flood and coastal storm declarations.
NFIP claims by county, 1978 to date. Source: OpenFEMA. Counties ranked by recorded flood events →
Properties in Minnesota 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).
Minnesota had 6,236 NFIP policies in force on August 31, 2026, and the average NFIP premium was $1,161 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. Minnesota 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 Minnesota →
Select a county to view local flood zone data and disaster history:
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