Flood insurance in Forsyth County, North Carolina

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
591
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,238
$233 above the North Carolina average
Claims paid since 1978
$4.7M
across 440 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
39%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Forsyth County, 2000–2025

The three costliest years. The worst was 2018, with $723 thousand 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 / AE39%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C61%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 40% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Forsyth County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Michael201826$597 thousand
Hurricane Eta202017$276 thousand
Hurricane Florence20185$43 thousand
Hurricane Isaias20201$7,192
The "Halloween" Storm19911$5,624

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Forsyth County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
27106107$1,125169$1.4 million
2710493$1,61392$1.2 million
2701280$89340$279 thousand
2710380$1,27131$150 thousand
2712760$1,3466$82 thousand
2728455$87214$241 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Forsyth County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Forsyth County costs about $1,238 a year. The North Carolina average is $1,005. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Forsyth County?

There are about 591 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Forsyth County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Forsyth County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Forsyth County have filed 440 flood claims, with $4.7 million paid out. 103 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 North Carolina