Flood insurance in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania

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
1,469
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$2,191
$548 above the Pennsylvania average
Claims paid since 1978
$86.1M
across 5,248 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
74%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Dauphin County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2011, with $51.9 million paid on 1,836 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 / AE74%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C26%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 31% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Dauphin County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Tropical Storm Lee20111,636$49.1 million
Tropical Storm Ivan2004920$14.2 million
Flooding19961,239$12.0 million
Hurricane Irene201152$1.5 million
Not a named storm1979135$295 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Dauphin County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
17110394$2,1731,422$13.9 million
17057165$1,695918$23.1 million
17111136$1,673341$2.0 million
17104110$2,645623$13.5 million
17036109$1,880211$7.9 million
1703387$2,443141$6.5 million
1703466$1,690251$2.6 million
1711265$1,336142$1.6 million
1710262$2,783149$2.6 million
1704856$1,70396$769 thousand
1701855$2,027303$4.5 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Dauphin County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Dauphin County costs about $2,191 a year. The Pennsylvania average is $1,643. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Dauphin County?

There are about 1,469 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Dauphin County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Dauphin County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Dauphin County have filed 5,248 flood claims, with $86.1 million paid out. 215 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 Pennsylvania