Enter any Pennsylvania address to see its FEMA flood zone designation
Pennsylvania experiences a mixed flood risk profile, with flash floods being the most frequent event type over the last 30 years, accounting for 4720 occurrences and 77 fatalities. General floods followed with 2087 events and 28 deaths. Coastal flooding and related phenomena like storm surge are less common but present, with 97 coastal flood events and 36 storm surge/tide events recorded. Tropical storms have also contributed to flood risk, with 49 events and one reported death.
Recent federal disaster declarations highlight the impact of tropical storms, with multiple declarations for Tropical Storm Debby in August 2024. While the data does not specify geographic regions within the state, the presence of coastal flood events suggests proximity to tidal waters, while the high number of flash floods indicates susceptibility to rapid inundation across various inland areas.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that Zone A, typically representing areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding, has the highest number of claims at 41,432, with over $868 million paid. Zone X, representing moderate flood risk, also shows significant claims. Notably, areas designated as X_SHADED and X_UNSHADED have a considerable number of claims despite their lower-risk designation, suggesting that flood events can occur outside of high-risk zones. The "UNKNOWN" zone also shows a substantial number of claims, indicating that flood risk is not always clearly defined or understood.
Summary generated from FEMA disaster declarations, NOAA storm events, and NFIP claim data. Updated quarterly.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims, Policies, and Disaster Declarations data.
Pennsylvania has received 1,252 federal disaster declarations, including 349 flood and coastal storm declarations and 126 hurricane declarations.
FEMA designates flood zones across Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania is approximately $926 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. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania →
Select a county to view local flood zone data and disaster history:
Select a city to check flood zone information: