76,882 flood insurance claims·$1.4B paid·41,535 policies in force
Shaded areas are FEMA’s mapped flood hazard zones in and around Pennsylvania. 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.
Pennsylvania faces a mixed flood risk profile dominated heavily by inland flash floods and riverine floods. Over the last 30 years, NOAA data records 4,720 flash flood events resulting in 77 deaths, alongside 2,087 general flood events with 28 deaths. Coastal flooding, storm surge, tropical storms, and lakeshore flooding occur less frequently, though tropical systems do impact the region.
Recent federal disaster declarations highlight the threat from tropical systems, specifically noting multiple declarations for Tropical Storm Debby on August 9, 2024. While inland and flash flooding represent the primary day-to-day hazard, tropical storms contribute to the state's severe weather mix, which also includes limited coastal and lakeshore flood events.
National Flood Insurance Program claims data indicates that high-risk Zone A bears the brunt of financial losses, with 50,228 claims totaling $1,057 million paid and an average claim of $25,100. Residents in Zone A face the most apparent risk and have the greatest insurance need. However, significant surprise claims occur in moderate-to-low risk zones as well. Zone X accounts for 10,586 claims totaling $208 million, with an average payout of $25,168. Additional claims are recorded in shaded and unshaded X zones, as well as zones with unknown classifications, demonstrating that property damage from flooding extends beyond traditional high-risk boundaries.
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.
Pennsylvania has received 1,252 federal disaster declarations, including 349 flood and coastal storm declarations and 126 hurricane declarations.
NFIP claims by county, 1978 to date. Source: OpenFEMA. Counties ranked by recorded flood events →
Properties in Pennsylvania 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).
Pennsylvania had 41,535 NFIP policies in force on August 31, 2026, and the average NFIP premium was $1,553 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. 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: