Enter any Wisconsin address to see its FEMA flood zone designation
Wisconsin experiences a mixed flood risk, with a significant number of flood and flash flood events recorded over the past 30 years. NOAA data indicates 1438 flood events and 1043 flash flood events, resulting in 16 and 14 reported deaths respectively. Lakeshore flooding also occurs, with 46 recorded events.
Recent federal disaster declarations highlight the recurring threat of severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and mudslides, with multiple declarations in August 2025 and January 2020. These events underscore the vulnerability of various regions within the state to different types of flooding, impacting both inland areas and potentially coastal zones along the Great Lakes.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data suggests that properties in FEMA Zone A have the highest number of claims and the largest total payout, indicating a substantial flood risk in these areas. However, properties in Zone X, which includes both shaded and unshaded categories, also incur significant claims, with unshaded Zone X claims showing a higher average payout than Zone A. This suggests that flood risk is not confined to the most commonly designated high-risk zones, and residents in various flood zones may need to consider flood insurance.
Summary generated from FEMA disaster declarations, NOAA storm events, and NFIP claim data. Updated quarterly.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims, Policies, and Disaster Declarations data.
Wisconsin has received 895 federal disaster declarations, including 209 flood and coastal storm declarations.
FEMA designates flood zones across Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin is approximately $675 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. Wisconsin residents can purchase flood insurance through the NFIP or private insurers.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.
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