Flood insurance in Nueces 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
26,541
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,045
$29 above the Texas average
Claims paid since 1978
$186.7M
across 8,673 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
54%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Nueces County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2017, with $145.6 million paid on 3,736 claims.

Insured buildings by flood zone

Zone V / VE7%
Coastal high-hazard areas with wave action. Flood insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone A / AE47%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C46%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 37% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Nueces County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Harvey20173,696$145.2 million
Hurricane Allen19801,199$7.0 million
Hurricane Hanna202049$1.2 million
Heavy rains200263$973 thousand
Flooding1979396$817 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Nueces County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
784188,379$1,3671,003$6.6 million
783737,538$1,2843,486$144.8 million
784142,354$629110$699 thousand
784131,588$549353$2.8 million
784121,503$765810$6.6 million
78380828$562599$3.5 million
78411744$833451$2.6 million
78402729$1,911269$4.5 million
78416617$58766$141 thousand
78415587$580201$823 thousand
78410445$472210$1.7 million
78404368$776138$879 thousand
78417313$66680$2.2 million
78401157$2,590190$3.6 million
7840573$78844$113 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Nueces County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Nueces County costs about $1,045 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 Nueces County?

There are about 26,541 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Nueces County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Nueces County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Nueces County have filed 8,673 flood claims, with $186.7 million paid out. 4,105 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