Flood insurance in South Dakota

Flood insurance policies, average premiums, flood zones and claims history for South Dakota, county by county, from official FEMA records.

Policies as of 5 September 2026Source: FEMA OpenFEMA
Active flood policies
2,504
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,194
$76 below the US average
Claims paid since 1978
$62.6M
across 4,016 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
60%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in South Dakota, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2019, with $15.7 million paid on 494 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 47% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in South Dakota

EventYearClaimsPaid
Late spring storms2011568$8.4 million
Flooding1997560$7.8 million
June Midwest Flooding202471$5.9 million
Severe flooding2001110$812 thousand
Midwest Flooding199399$724 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in South Dakota?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in South Dakota costs about $1,194 a year. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in South Dakota?

There are about 2,504 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in South Dakota, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does South Dakota flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in South Dakota have filed 4,016 flood claims, with $62.6 million paid out. 627 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.