Flood insurance in St. James Parish, Louisiana
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.
Flood claims paid per year
NFIP claims paid in St. James Parish, 2000–2025
The three costliest years. The worst was 2014, with $3.5 million paid on 73 claims.
Insured buildings by flood zone
Zone not reported for 14% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.
Costliest flood events
Named events by NFIP claims paid in St. James Parish
| Event | Year | Claims | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Francine | 2024 | 25 | $820 thousand |
| Mid-summer severe storms | 2016 | 36 | $806 thousand |
| Hurricane Ida | 2021 | 47 | $746 thousand |
| Hurricane Isaac | 2012 | 36 | $642 thousand |
| Tropical Storm Allison | 2001 | 16 | $209 thousand |
Flood insurance by ZIP code
ZIP codes in St. James Parish with at least 50 policies
| ZIP | Policies | Avg premium | Claims since 1978 | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70090 | 383 | $1,097 | 198 | $2.6 million |
| 70763 | 324 | $997 | 85 | $1.9 million |
| 70071 | 191 | $974 | 76 | $2.0 million |
| 70052 | 169 | $943 | 75 | $1.9 million |
Common questions
How much does flood insurance cost in St. James Parish?
The average NFIP flood insurance policy in St. James Parish costs about $992 a year. The Louisiana average is $1,039. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.
How many homes have flood insurance in St. James Parish?
There are about 1,089 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in St. James Parish, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.
How often does St. James Parish flood?
Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in St. James Parish have filed 342 flood claims, with $7.5 million paid out. 83 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.