Flood insurance in Cuyahoga County, Ohio

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
1,234
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,212
$92 above the Ohio average
Claims paid since 1978
$35.3M
across 1,730 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
30%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Cuyahoga County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2006, with $8.3 million paid on 118 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 / AE30%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C70%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 39% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Cuyahoga County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Late winter storms2011134$5.9 million
Flooding199055$1.1 million
Flooding198950$225 thousand
Not a named storm197913$28 thousand
Flooding19971$14 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Cuyahoga County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
44113164$3,7546$81 thousand
44125104$2,453409$6.9 million
4407070$51469$194 thousand
4412264$92989$110 thousand
4414561$56629$507 thousand
4413955$83920$416 thousand
4402253$81141$538 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Cuyahoga County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Cuyahoga County costs about $1,212 a year. The Ohio average is $1,120. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Cuyahoga County?

There are about 1,234 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Cuyahoga County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Cuyahoga County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Cuyahoga County have filed 1,730 flood claims, with $35.3 million paid out. 168 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 Ohio