Enter any South Carolina address to see its FEMA flood zone designation
South Carolina faces a mixed flood risk, with flash floods being the most frequent event type over the last 30 years, followed by tropical storms and general floods.
The state's coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes, as evidenced by recent federal disaster declarations for Hurricane Helene, which impacted the state as both a hurricane and a tropical storm. Inland areas also experience significant flooding, with numerous severe storm and flooding declarations.
National Flood Insurance Program data indicates that Zone A, representing areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding, has the highest number of claims and the largest total payout. However, Zone X, which includes areas with moderate flood risk, shows a higher average claim payout than Zone A, suggesting that unexpected flooding can occur even in areas not designated as high-risk.
Summary generated from FEMA disaster declarations, NOAA storm events, and NFIP claim data. Updated quarterly.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims, Policies, and Disaster Declarations data.
South Carolina has received 1,187 federal disaster declarations, including 57 flood and coastal storm declarations and 268 hurricane declarations.
FEMA designates flood zones across South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina is approximately $828 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. South Carolina 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 South Carolina →
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