Flood insurance in Clatsop County, Oregon

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
1,309
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,533
$350 above the Oregon average
Claims paid since 1978
$2.0M
across 160 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
27%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Clatsop County, 2000–2025

The three costliest years. The worst was 2007, with $614 thousand paid on 33 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE4%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE23%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C73%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 19% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Clatsop County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Winter storm200730$587 thousand
Flooding199616$459 thousand
Flooding19905$16 thousand
Flooding19971$1,530

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Clatsop County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
97138729$1,43883$968 thousand
97110209$1,85416$317 thousand
97103148$1,71821$34 thousand
97146119$1,5637$48 thousand
9710253$1,10216$200 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Clatsop County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Clatsop County costs about $1,533 a year. The Oregon average is $1,183. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Clatsop County?

There are about 1,309 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Clatsop County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Clatsop County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Clatsop County have filed 160 flood claims, with $2.0 million paid out. 15 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 Oregon