28,101 flood insurance claims·$365.7M paid·21,707 policies in force
Shaded areas are FEMA’s mapped flood hazard zones in and around Ohio. 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.
Ohio faces a mixed flood risk profile characterized predominantly by heavy frequencies of riverine floods and sudden flash floods. Over the last 30 years, NOAA data records 3,399 general flood events resulting in 29 deaths, alongside 3,188 flash flood events causing 43 deaths. Additional hazards include 37 lakeshore flood events, 24 storm surge or tide events, and 8 coastal flood events.
Federal disaster declarations in the state highlight severe storms, flooding, and landslides, notably resulting in major disaster declarations on February 5, 2019. While flood and flash flood occurrences drive the majority of weather-related threats, the state also experiences localized water level impacts along its lakeshore and coastal boundaries.
National Flood Insurance Program records indicate that high-risk Zone A bears the heaviest financial and volume burden, accounting for 17,612 claims and $262 million in total payments with an average claim of $18,854. This demonstrates that residents in designated high-risk zones face the most urgent insurance need. However, surprise claims occur outside these primary zones, as evidenced by thousands of claims across Zone X and unknown categories. Specifically, Zone X accounts for 3,807 claims totaling $62 million, with average payouts of $21,517, while unshaded and shaded Zone X areas combined for over 2,800 claims. Even categories with limited data, such as Zone D and Zone V, record claims, showing that property owners outside traditional high-risk boundaries still encounter flood losses.
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.
Ohio has received 1,292 federal disaster declarations, including 159 flood and coastal storm declarations and 2 hurricane declarations.
NFIP claims by county, 1978 to date. Source: OpenFEMA. Counties ranked by recorded flood events →
Properties in Ohio 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).
Ohio had 21,707 NFIP policies in force on August 31, 2026, and the average NFIP premium was $1,118 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. Ohio 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 Ohio →
Select a county to view local flood zone data and disaster history:
Select a city to check flood zone information: