Flood insurance in Washington 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
630
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$2,157
$514 above the Pennsylvania average
Claims paid since 1978
$21.1M
across 1,131 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
75%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Washington County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2024, with $4.0 million paid on 83 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 / AE75%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C25%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 37% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Washington County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Tropical Storm Ivan2004110$3.3 million
Flooding1985132$1.6 million
Flooding1996150$1.6 million
Hurricane Ida202133$786 thousand
Hurricane Elsa20211$0

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Washington County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
15301150$1,958232$9.2 million
1531759$2,12835$395 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Washington County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Washington County costs about $2,157 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 Washington County?

There are about 630 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Washington County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Washington County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Washington County have filed 1,131 flood claims, with $21.1 million paid out. 298 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