Flood insurance in Pamlico 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
1,957
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$972
$33 below the North Carolina average
Claims paid since 1978
$102.8M
across 4,330 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
73%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Pamlico County, 2000–2025

The three costliest years. The worst was 2011, with $43.6 million paid on 1,332 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE1%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE72%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C27%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 27% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Pamlico County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Irene20111,325$43.6 million
Hurricane Florence20181,274$38.2 million
Hurricane Isabel2003897$13.8 million
Hurricane Dennis1999391$3.7 million
Hurricane Ophelia200555$715 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Pamlico County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
285711,033$1,0672,177$48.6 million
28556317$925682$14.7 million
28515184$833511$13.0 million
28510179$880278$7.6 million
2852969$82585$2.9 million
2858758$1,067229$7.2 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Pamlico County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Pamlico County costs about $972 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 Pamlico County?

There are about 1,957 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Pamlico County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Pamlico County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Pamlico County have filed 4,330 flood claims, with $102.8 million paid out. 1,307 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