Flood insurance in Mercer County, New Jersey

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
1,521
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,801
$179 above the New Jersey average
Claims paid since 1978
$48.4M
across 2,432 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
57%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Mercer County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2011, with $15.2 million paid on 408 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 / AE57%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C43%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 28% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Mercer County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Irene2011308$14.2 million
Hurricane Ida2021135$10.8 million
Hurricane Floyd1999118$3.9 million
April 2007 Nor'easter200775$2.4 million
Torrential rain200569$903 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Mercer County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
08540266$1,636270$9.4 million
08648245$1,793195$8.8 million
08618228$2,696948$7.5 million
08619169$1,405263$4.2 million
0862897$1,99484$1.1 million
0852085$1,88648$421 thousand
0855078$1,23546$1.3 million
0863873$3,346348$12.5 million
0861073$83243$52 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Mercer County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Mercer County costs about $1,801 a year. The New Jersey average is $1,622. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Mercer County?

There are about 1,521 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Mercer County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Mercer County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Mercer County have filed 2,432 flood claims, with $48.4 million paid out. 213 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 New Jersey