Flood insurance in Linn County, Iowa

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
1,118
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,402
$28 above the Iowa average
Claims paid since 1978
$69.4M
across 1,351 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
40%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Linn County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2008, with $63.7 million paid on 639 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 / AE40%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C60%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 30% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Linn County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Storm2008228$26.7 million
Midwest Flooding1993128$577 thousand
Severe flooding20011$5,412
Flooding19907$473
March 2019 Midwest Flooding20192$0

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Linn County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
52405281$1,007529$27.5 million
52404262$1,497306$19.1 million
52401241$2,833146$14.4 million
5232467$95173$1.9 million
5240366$1,26373$3.7 million
5230257$1,40225$274 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Linn County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Linn County costs about $1,402 a year. The Iowa average is $1,374. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Linn County?

There are about 1,118 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Linn County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Linn County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Linn County have filed 1,351 flood claims, with $69.4 million paid out. 11 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 Iowa