Flood insurance in Clay County, Missouri

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
336
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,645
$163 above the Missouri average
Claims paid since 1978
$11.1M
across 799 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
56%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Clay County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2015, with $1.2 million paid on 39 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 / AE56%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C44%
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 Clay County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Not a named storm1982191$1.7 million
Midwest Flooding199365$1.7 million
Flooding19904$86 thousand
Hurricane Ike20085$42 thousand
Flooding19982$19 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Clay County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
6411678$1,79937$225 thousand
6406855$1,30436$1.1 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Clay County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Clay County costs about $1,645 a year. The Missouri average is $1,482. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Clay County?

There are about 336 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Clay County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Clay County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Clay County have filed 799 flood claims, with $11.1 million paid out. 54 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 Missouri