Enter any Oregon address to see its FEMA flood zone designation
Oregon experiences a mixed flood risk, with a significant number of flood and flash flood events recorded over the past three decades. While coastal flooding and storm surges have been infrequent, inland flooding and flash floods represent the majority of recorded flood-related incidents, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Recent federal disaster declarations highlight the ongoing threat of severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides across the state, with multiple declarations in March 2025 and January 2024 underscoring the recurring nature of these hazards. These events impact various regions, suggesting that both coastal and inland areas are susceptible to significant weather-related damage.
National Flood Insurance Program data indicates that Zone A areas have the highest number of claims and the largest total payouts, suggesting a substantial risk in these designated flood zones. However, Zone X areas, including both shaded and unshaded categories, also show a considerable number of claims with average payouts that are higher than those in Zone A, indicating that flood events can occur and result in significant damage even in areas not classified as high-risk. This suggests that residents in all flood zones, and even those in lower-risk areas, should consider flood insurance.
Summary generated from FEMA disaster declarations, NOAA storm events, and NFIP claim data. Updated quarterly.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims, Policies, and Disaster Declarations data.
Oregon has received 637 federal disaster declarations, including 163 flood and coastal storm declarations.
FEMA designates flood zones across Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon is approximately $680 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. Oregon 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 Oregon →
Select a county to view local flood zone data and disaster history:
Select a city to check flood zone information: