Flood insurance in Washington County, Oregon

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
1,506
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,079
$104 below the Oregon average
Claims paid since 1978
$5.5M
across 408 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
66%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Washington County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2015, with $693 thousand paid on 33 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 / AE66%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C34%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 49% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Washington County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Flooding1996169$2.9 million
Winter storm200724$486 thousand
Winter storm200912$141 thousand
Flooding199712$91 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Washington County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
97062333$1,58768$1.8 million
97005262$86978$569 thousand
97225142$1,23546$764 thousand
97223124$1,08061$661 thousand
97229101$60924$235 thousand
9712481$96712$158 thousand
9712369$99021$285 thousand
9700865$9516$71 thousand
9722454$1,17813$294 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Washington County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Washington County costs about $1,079 a year. The Oregon average is $1,183. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Washington County?

There are about 1,506 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Washington County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Washington County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Washington County have filed 408 flood claims, with $5.5 million paid out. 19 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 Oregon