Flood insurance in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

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
2,722
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$2,295
$652 above the Pennsylvania average
Claims paid since 1978
$81.6M
across 4,832 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
60%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Allegheny County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2004, with $35.8 million paid on 1,221 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 34% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Allegheny County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Tropical Storm Ivan20041,082$34.6 million
Flooding1996426$6.1 million
Flooding1986102$901 thousand
Hurricane Ida202174$791 thousand
Flooding198568$607 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Allegheny County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
15223166$1,930358$7.3 million
15209134$2,186370$5.2 million
15106126$2,378117$4.3 million
15237103$1,762170$1.5 million
1513986$1,26143$649 thousand
1511680$1,918197$2.5 million
1523878$2,13484$1.3 million
1510878$2,40969$2.2 million
1514374$2,332114$882 thousand
1522569$1,70525$71 thousand
1524165$1,63048$1.1 million
1501761$2,365227$6.4 million
1521557$3,129127$2.2 million
1513657$4,80897$1.9 million
1522257$5,92956$1.4 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Allegheny County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Allegheny County costs about $2,295 a year. The Pennsylvania average is $1,643. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Allegheny County?

There are about 2,722 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Allegheny County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Allegheny County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Allegheny County have filed 4,832 flood claims, with $81.6 million paid out. 824 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 Pennsylvania