Flood insurance in DeKalb County, Georgia

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
2,981
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$932
$41 below the Georgia average
Claims paid since 1978
$29.2M
across 1,998 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
64%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in DeKalb County, 2000–2025

The three costliest years. The worst was 2009, with $12.1 million paid on 468 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 / AE64%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C36%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 40% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in DeKalb County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Late summer storms2009422$12.0 million
Tropical Storm Ivan2004237$5.0 million
Hurricane Helene202484$2.3 million
Early winter storms201547$357 thousand
Hurricane Dennis200512$102 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in DeKalb County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
30033446$1,019234$1.8 million
30030351$789133$1.1 million
30083177$936121$1.8 million
30341171$925186$5.0 million
30345164$1,040164$2.4 million
30319162$785196$2.7 million
30338144$70877$1.1 million
30032143$922159$586 thousand
30034131$95761$393 thousand
30306125$1,18699$1.7 million
30329121$1,637113$2.5 million
30317102$83412$47 thousand
30316101$77531$150 thousand
3003899$94335$164 thousand
3034081$1,34083$3.3 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in DeKalb County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in DeKalb County costs about $932 a year. The Georgia average is $973. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in DeKalb County?

There are about 2,981 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in DeKalb County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does DeKalb County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in DeKalb County have filed 1,998 flood claims, with $29.2 million paid out. 313 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 Georgia