175,151 flood insurance claims·$5.7B paid·163,294 policies in force
Shaded areas are FEMA’s mapped flood hazard zones in and around New York. 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.
New York experiences a mixed flood risk profile characterized predominantly by frequent flash floods and riverine floods, alongside significant coastal and tropical storm hazards. Over the last 30 years, NOAA recorded 4,169 flash flood events resulting in 60 deaths, and 2,185 general flood events causing 16 deaths. Coastal floods and tropical storms also contributed heavily to the state's historical toll, with 325 coastal flood events and 41 deaths, and 81 tropical storm events resulting in 10 deaths. Lakeshore floods and storm surges accounted for smaller event totals. Recent federal disaster declarations underscore this persistent vulnerability, driven by severe storms and flooding alongside the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby in August 2024.
National Flood Insurance Program records show that flood impacts span multiple FEMA zone categories across the state. Zone A accounts for the largest share of financial impact with 104,053 claims totaling $4.065 billion paid, averaging $46,294 per claim. Zone V claims average $47,359, reflecting high coastal exposure.
The data also reveals substantial risk outside designated high-risk areas. Zone X properties logged 29,976 claims totaling $1.091 billion, while shaded Zone X properties added 7,150 claims totaling $251 million. Unshaded Zone X properties recorded 8,553 claims totaling $130 million. This distribution indicates that while residents in high-risk zones face the heaviest financial burdens, property owners in moderate-to-low-risk Zone X areas experience frequent surprise claims and should carefully evaluate their insurance needs.
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.
New York has received 1,537 federal disaster declarations, including 223 flood and coastal storm declarations and 99 hurricane declarations.
NFIP claims by county, 1978 to date. Source: OpenFEMA. Counties ranked by recorded flood events →
Properties in New York 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).
New York had 163,294 NFIP policies in force on August 31, 2026, and the average NFIP premium was $1,240 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. New York 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 New York →
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