Flood insurance in McHenry County, Illinois

How many buildings are insured against floods, what policies cost, and how much FEMA's flood insurance program has paid out, from official NFIP records.

Policies as of 5 September 2026Source: FEMA OpenFEMA
Active flood policies
805
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,339
$8 above the Illinois average
Claims paid since 1978
$7.6M
across 987 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
81%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in McHenry County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2013, with $2.4 million paid on 165 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE0%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE81%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C19%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 32% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in McHenry County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Mid-spring storms2013135$2.1 million
Flooding198677$346 thousand
Midwest Flooding199345$250 thousand
Flooding19961$45 thousand
Flooding198219$20 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in McHenry County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
60051199$1,684247$2.4 million
60050122$1,742185$1.2 million
60010101$1,104149$1.3 million
6015294$73227$155 thousand
6008181$1,236160$1.0 million
6010265$1,727101$526 thousand
6001462$1,23599$921 thousand
6001352$1,549105$1.0 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in McHenry County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in McHenry County costs about $1,339 a year. The Illinois average is $1,331. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in McHenry County?

There are about 805 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in McHenry County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does McHenry County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in McHenry County have filed 987 flood claims, with $7.6 million paid out. 151 of those claims were in the last 10 years.

Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?

No. Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies exclude flood damage. You need a separate flood policy from the NFIP or a private insurer.

How long until a new flood policy starts?

NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, so buying when a storm is already forecast is normally too late. Exceptions apply, for example when a lender requires the policy at closing.

How to get flood insurance

Most flood policies are sold through the National Flood Insurance Program by regular insurance agents. Ask the agent who handles your home or car insurance, or find one through FloodSmart.gov, FEMA's official flood insurance site. Private flood insurers also sell policies in many areas and are worth comparing.

Other counties in Illinois