Flood insurance in Johnston County, North Carolina

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
560
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$897
$108 below the North Carolina average
Claims paid since 1978
$11.4M
across 313 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
39%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Johnston County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2016, with $7.2 million paid on 120 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 / AE39%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C61%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 45% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Johnston County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Matthew2016116$7.1 million
Hurricane Floyd199942$1.3 million
Hurricane Fran199639$564 thousand
Hurricane Eta202013$422 thousand
Hurricane Florence201813$121 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Johnston County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
27577146$1,113171$7.6 million
2752788$6311$5,012
2752079$72221$122 thousand
2757669$94316$635 thousand
2752451$1,21042$1.4 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Johnston County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Johnston County costs about $897 a year. The North Carolina average is $1,005. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Johnston County?

There are about 560 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Johnston County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Johnston County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Johnston County have filed 313 flood claims, with $11.4 million paid out. 73 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 North Carolina