17,640 flood insurance claims·$476.1M paid·22,506 policies in force
Shaded areas are FEMA’s mapped flood hazard zones in and around Tennessee. 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.
Tennessee faces a predominantly flash-flood-driven risk profile, as indicated by thousands of rapid-onset events over the last thirty years.
NOAA records from the past three decades show that flash floods are the most frequent and deadly hazard in the state, totaling 3,279 events and 86 deaths, compared to 1,054 general flood events resulting in 35 deaths. Tropical systems also impact the area, with 44 tropical storm events and 8 tropical depression events recorded. Recent federal disaster declarations underscore this ongoing severe weather vulnerability, highlighted by multiple severe storm, straight-line wind, tornado, and flooding declarations on April 2, 2025.
National Flood Insurance Program claims data reveals that while high-risk Zone A bears the heaviest financial burden with 11,220 claims totaling $347 million paid, significant risk extends well beyond designated high-risk areas. Properties categorized under various Zone X classifications—including unshaded, shaded, and general X zones—account for thousands of claims and tens of millions of dollars in payouts, demonstrating that residents outside traditional high-risk flood zones still experience costly property damage. Unknown zones and limited Zone V and D claims make up the remainder of the historical payout mix. This distribution indicates that while Zone A residents face the most concentrated insurance necessity, property owners in Zone X categories frequently encounter surprise claims, reinforcing the value of broad insurance consideration across various zone types.
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.
Tennessee has received 2,038 federal disaster declarations, including 268 flood and coastal storm declarations.
NFIP claims by county, 1978 to date. Source: OpenFEMA. Counties ranked by recorded flood events →
Properties in Tennessee 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).
Tennessee had 22,506 NFIP policies in force on August 31, 2026, and the average NFIP premium was $1,261 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. Tennessee 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 Tennessee →
Select a county to view local flood zone data and disaster history:
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