Flood insurance in Brown County, Texas

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
472
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$994
$22 below the Texas average
Claims paid since 1978
$9.6M
across 533 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
93%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Brown County, 2000–2025

The three costliest years. The worst was 2002, with $3.0 million paid on 117 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 / AE93%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C7%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 50% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Brown County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Torrential rain2002116$3.0 million
Flooding199162$1.2 million
Flooding199056$575 thousand
Early summer severe storms201621$450 thousand
Thunderstorms200721$446 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Brown County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
76801421$997458$8.9 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Brown County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Brown County costs about $994 a year. The Texas average is $1,016. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Brown County?

There are about 472 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Brown County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Brown County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Brown County have filed 533 flood claims, with $9.6 million paid out. 5 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 Texas