Flood insurance in Ward County, North Dakota

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
1,208
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$695
$153 below the North Dakota average
Claims paid since 1978
$69.5M
across 1,107 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
4%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Ward County, 2000–2025

The three costliest years. The worst was 2011, with $66.9 million paid on 640 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 / AE4%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C96%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 22% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Ward County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Late spring storms2011573$62.8 million
Not a named storm1979106$549 thousand
Late spring storms201222$494 thousand
Late spring storms201319$285 thousand
Flooding199729$227 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Ward County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
58701671$685553$37.3 million
58703459$676363$27.9 million
5872254$93077$2.6 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Ward County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Ward County costs about $695 a year. The North Dakota average is $848. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Ward County?

There are about 1,208 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Ward County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Ward County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Ward County have filed 1,107 flood claims, with $69.5 million paid out. 13 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 Dakota