Flood insurance in Winnebago County, Illinois

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
639
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,591
$260 above the Illinois average
Claims paid since 1978
$27.3M
across 1,729 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
83%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Winnebago County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2008, with $9.2 million paid on 328 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 / AE83%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C17%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 35% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Winnebago County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Mid-spring storms201340$384 thousand
Flooding199630$350 thousand
Midwest Flooding199332$72 thousand
Flooding198131$48 thousand
Tropical Storm Erin20072$25 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Winnebago County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
61115136$2,081575$10.5 million
61101122$93350$587 thousand
6110476$1,402352$7.0 million
6108071$1,82043$144 thousand
6111162$1,518131$1.3 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Winnebago County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Winnebago County costs about $1,591 a year. The Illinois average is $1,331. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Winnebago County?

There are about 639 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Winnebago County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Winnebago County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Winnebago County have filed 1,729 flood claims, with $27.3 million paid out. 231 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 Illinois