12,966 flood insurance claims·$259.3M paid·8,180 policies in force
Shaded areas are FEMA’s mapped flood hazard zones in and around Oklahoma. 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.
Oklahoma faces a mixed flood risk dominated by frequent flash flooding alongside standard riverine flood events. Over the last 30 years, NOAA data records 3,273 flash flood events resulting in 66 deaths, compared to 1,020 general flood events resulting in 25 deaths, alongside a single tropical storm.
Federal disaster declarations reflect this persistent severe weather pattern. In late 2024, specifically on November 2, multiple federal disaster declarations were issued for severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding. These recurring severe storm declarations underscore the continuous atmospheric threats impacting the state.
National Flood Insurance Program records indicate that high-risk Zone A areas bear the brunt of the financial impact, logging 8,389 claims totaling $171 million paid out, with an average claim of $24,385. However, significant flood losses also occur outside high-risk zones, highlighting that residents in lower-risk categories are not immune to property damage. Zone X categories account for thousands of claims, including 1,644 claims in standard Zone X totaling $50 million paid with the highest average claim at $38,615, 1,840 claims in unshaded Zone X totaling $28 million, and 470 claims in shaded Zone X totaling $8 million. Additionally, Zone D properties recorded 341 claims totaling $1 million, while unknown zones and Zone V properties accounted for the remainder. This distribution demonstrates that while Zone A residents face the highest frequency of claims, surprise losses and substantial payouts routinely affect policyholders across unshaded, shaded, and undetermined zone categories.
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.
Oklahoma has received 2,593 federal disaster declarations, including 225 flood and coastal storm declarations.
NFIP claims by county, 1978 to date. Source: OpenFEMA. Counties ranked by recorded flood events →
Properties in Oklahoma 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).
Oklahoma had 8,180 NFIP policies in force on August 31, 2026, and the average NFIP premium was $1,113 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. Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma →
Select a county to view local flood zone data and disaster history: