Flood insurance in Jefferson County, Kentucky

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
3,985
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,411
$137 below the Kentucky average
Claims paid since 1978
$98.8M
across 5,557 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
82%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Jefferson County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2025, with $13.8 million paid on 251 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 / AE82%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C18%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 41% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Jefferson County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Flooding19971,542$29.4 million
Central U.S. April Flooding2025172$12.3 million
Mid-spring storms2011172$4.2 million
Late summer storms2009309$3.2 million
February Kentucky Flooding202555$1.3 million

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Jefferson County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
40219574$1,315508$8.9 million
40218463$1,518499$7.6 million
40216346$1,415394$2.4 million
40207278$1,989718$21.6 million
40214266$1,349671$8.1 million
40213224$965348$5.8 million
40118219$1,025264$2.5 million
40220178$948109$283 thousand
40258114$1,12075$184 thousand
40222110$1,382289$4.9 million
40202101$4,84731$2.7 million
4020588$1,963212$2.2 million
4027283$1,208106$934 thousand
4029981$1,74357$973 thousand
4020679$1,61077$3.0 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Jefferson County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Jefferson County costs about $1,411 a year. The Kentucky average is $1,548. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Jefferson County?

There are about 3,985 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Jefferson County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Jefferson County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Jefferson County have filed 5,557 flood claims, with $98.8 million paid out. 659 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 Kentucky