North Carolina Flood Risk: 108,093 FEMA Claims, 47% in Flood Zones
108,093 FEMA claims · $2,250,151,293 in payouts · 47% ZIPs in flood zones · Updated 2026-05-31
Data: FEMA NFIP, FEMA Flood Map Service Center Last verified: 2026-05-31
North Carolina has significant flood exposure with 108,093 FEMA claims and 47% of ZIP codes in flood zones — well above the national average of roughly 13%. Homebuyers and homeowners should strongly consider flood insurance, even outside designated flood zones.
City Water Quality Map: North Carolina
Each circle represents a city. Size indicates population, color indicates water quality grade. Tap a circle for details.
Cities with Most Flood Claims in North Carolina
| # | City | FEMA Claims | Total Paid | Population | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holly Ridge | 5,547 | $56,086,458 | 3,462 | Details → |
| 2 | New Bern | 5,235 | $216,291,759 | 75,732 | Details → |
| 3 | Washington | 3,787 | $48,554,850 | 44,774 | Details → |
| 4 | Belhaven | 3,731 | $45,964,117 | 1,960 | Details → |
| 5 | Wilmington | 3,641 | $61,046,630 | 216,926 | Details → |
| 6 | Wrightsville Beach | 3,560 | $52,050,279 | 5,300 | Details → |
| 7 | Kitty Hawk | 3,506 | $32,943,758 | 28,732 | Details → |
| 8 | Nags Head | 3,107 | $32,616,493 | 3,125 | Details → |
| 9 | Carolina Beach | 3,038 | $42,596,174 | 6,979 | Details → |
| 10 | Oak Island | 2,853 | $27,092,802 | 26,924 | Details → |
Flood Risk Overview
47% of ZIP codes in North Carolina are located in FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents have filed 108,093 flood insurance claims through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), with total payouts of $2.3B.
The average claim payout in North Carolina is $21K. Flood damage can range from minor water intrusion to total structural loss, depending on flood depth, duration, and property characteristics.
Cities with Most Flood Claims
| Rank | City | FEMA Claims | Total Paid | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holly Ridge | 5,547 | $56.1M | 3,462 |
| 2 | New Bern | 5,235 | $216.3M | 75,732 |
| 3 | Washington | 3,787 | $48.6M | 44,774 |
| 4 | Belhaven | 3,731 | $46.0M | 1,960 |
| 5 | Wilmington | 3,641 | $61.0M | 216,926 |
| 6 | Wrightsville Beach | 3,560 | $52.1M | 5,300 |
| 7 | Kitty Hawk | 3,506 | $32.9M | 28,732 |
| 8 | Nags Head | 3,107 | $32.6M | 3,125 |
| 9 | Carolina Beach | 3,038 | $42.6M | 6,979 |
| 10 | Oak Island | 2,853 | $27.1M | 26,924 |
Understanding Flood Zones
FEMA classifies areas by flood risk:
| Zone | Risk Level | Insurance Required? |
|---|---|---|
| A, AE, AH, AO | High risk (Special Flood Hazard Area) | Yes, with federal mortgage |
| V, VE | High risk, coastal | Yes, with federal mortgage |
| B, X (shaded) | Moderate risk | Recommended |
| C, X (unshaded) | Low risk | Optional |
In North Carolina, 509 ZIP codes contain properties in high-risk flood zones. However, FEMA data shows over 40% of flood claims nationwide come from areas outside mapped high-risk zones.
Flood Insurance in North Carolina
Key facts about flood insurance for North Carolina homeowners:
- Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage — a separate flood policy is required
- The average NFIP policy costs $700-$1,500/year depending on flood zone, elevation, and property type
- 30-day waiting period applies to new NFIP policies (except at closing)
- Private flood insurance may offer lower rates in some areas
- 108,093 claims have been filed in North Carolina with an average payout of $21K
How Flooding Affects Water Quality
Flooding poses serious risks to drinking water:
- Treatment plant overflows can allow untreated or partially treated water into distribution systems
- Stormwater runoff introduces pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals
- Sewage system backups contaminate groundwater and surface water sources
- Infrastructure damage can compromise pipes and create entry points for contaminants
After flooding events, monitor your utility's website and local news for boil water advisories.
Flood Damage Prevention
Steps to reduce flood damage to your home:
- Install a sump pump with battery backup
- Elevate utilities (furnace, water heater, electrical panel) above potential flood levels
- Apply waterproof sealant to basement walls and floors
- Maintain gutters and drains to direct water away from foundations
- Consider flood vents in foundation walls
- Check for FEMA mitigation grants — many communities participate in hazard mitigation programs
Data Sources
- Flood claims: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Flood zones: FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Updated daily.
Wondering about flood risk at your address?
Flood risk varies block by block. Enter your ZIP code to see FEMA flood zone data, claims history, and insurance requirements for your specific area.
Check Flood Insurance Requirements →Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Carolina at risk of flooding?
47% of ZIP codes in North Carolina are in FEMA-designated flood zones. 108,093 flood insurance claims have been filed, with $2.3B in total payouts through FEMA NFIP.
Which city in North Carolina has the most flood claims?
Holly Ridge leads North Carolina with 5,547 FEMA flood claims and $56.1M in payouts. Flood risk varies significantly by neighborhood and elevation.
Do I need flood insurance in North Carolina?
If your property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area and you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required. Even outside mapped flood zones, FEMA reports over 40% of claims come from areas not designated as high risk. The average NFIP policy costs $700-$1,500/year.
How does flooding affect water quality?
Flooding can contaminate drinking water by overwhelming treatment systems, introducing sewage and runoff into water supplies, and damaging infrastructure. Boil water advisories are common after major floods. Local utility alerts provide information during these events.
How many flood claims have been filed in North Carolina?
108,093 flood insurance claims have been filed across North Carolina through FEMA NFIP, with total payouts of $2.3B. The average claim payout is $21K.