Enter any Minnesota address to see its FEMA flood zone designation
Minnesota experiences a mixed flood risk, with flash floods and general floods being the most frequent event types over the last 30 years, resulting in 1347 and 1328 occurrences respectively. These events have also led to 15 and 8 reported deaths. Lakeshore and coastal flooding are significantly less common, with only 11 and 1 event recorded in the same period.
Recent federal disaster declarations highlight the ongoing threat of severe storms and flooding, with multiple declarations issued in June 2024 for flood events. While the data does not specify particular rivers or geographic areas within the state, the frequency of these declarations underscores the persistent nature of flood risk across Minnesota.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that Zone A, typically representing areas with a higher flood risk, has the highest number of claims at 5666, with over $82 million paid out. However, Zone X, which generally denotes areas with moderate to minimal flood risk, has also seen a substantial number of claims (1963), with an average payout of $11,530. This suggests that flood insurance may be advisable even for properties not located in high-risk zones, as a significant number of claims and payouts occur in areas with lower perceived flood risk.
Summary generated from FEMA disaster declarations, NOAA storm events, and NFIP claim data. Updated quarterly.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims, Policies, and Disaster Declarations data.
Minnesota has received 1,623 federal disaster declarations, including 719 flood and coastal storm declarations.
FEMA designates flood zones across Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota is approximately $794 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. Minnesota residents can purchase flood insurance through the NFIP or private insurers.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.
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