Flood insurance in Pitt 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
1,700
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$802
$203 below the North Carolina average
Claims paid since 1978
$36.3M
across 1,205 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
60%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Pitt County, 2000–2025

The three costliest years. The worst was 2016, with $7.0 million paid on 255 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 / AE60%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C40%
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 Pitt County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Floyd1999581$26.3 million
Hurricane Matthew2016252$7.0 million
Hurricane Irene201167$661 thousand
Hurricane Florence201831$394 thousand
Tropical Storm Ernesto200625$311 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Pitt County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
27834611$728416$13.0 million
27858505$902308$12.6 million
28590242$842142$1.3 million
28530155$813172$6.2 million
2782881$57854$1.4 million
2851366$78662$1.3 million
2783754$71144$1.1 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Pitt County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Pitt County costs about $802 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 Pitt County?

There are about 1,700 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Pitt County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Pitt County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Pitt County have filed 1,205 flood claims, with $36.3 million paid out. 60 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