15,997 flood insurance claims·$347.6M paid·29,034 policies in force
Shaded areas are FEMA’s mapped flood hazard zones in and around Washington. 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.
Washington experiences a mixed flood-risk profile dominated by riverine floods, accompanied by frequent flash floods, coastal floods, and storm surges. Over the last 30 years, NOAA records show 471 flood events and 9 deaths, alongside 201 flash floods resulting in 2 deaths, 31 coastal flood events, and 11 storm surge or tide events.
Recent federal disaster declarations highlight the state's vulnerability to compounding hazards, specifically recording multiple concurrent declarations on December 9, 2025, for severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides. These events reflect the severe multi-hazard threats facing communities across the state, where heavy precipitation triggers both inundation and slope failures.
The National Flood Insurance Program claim history demonstrates that while high-risk coastal and riverine areas account for the greatest financial impact, significant risk extends well beyond designated zones. FEMA Zone A holds the highest burden with 11,274 claims totaling $276 million paid, and Zone V records the highest average payout at $43,181 across 126 claims. However, properties outside primary high-risk zones also experience substantial losses. Zone X categories—including shaded, unshaded, and general designations—account for thousands of claims and tens of millions of dollars paid, with average payouts exceeding $24,000 to $31,000. Additionally, 1,007 claims were recorded in unknown zones, totaling $8 million paid. This distribution indicates that while residents in A and V zones face the most urgent insurance needs, property owners in lower-risk or unshaded zones still face surprise claims and substantial financial 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. NFIP policies in force and average premium (premium plus federal policy fee) as of August 31, 2026, from OpenFEMA.
Washington has received 1,034 federal disaster declarations, including 347 flood and coastal storm declarations.
NFIP claims by county, 1978 to date. Source: OpenFEMA. Counties ranked by recorded flood events →
Properties in Washington 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).
Washington had 29,034 NFIP policies in force on August 31, 2026, and the average NFIP premium was $1,060 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. Washington 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 Washington →
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