Flood insurance in Maricopa County, Arizona

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
12,322
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$797
$152 below the Arizona average
Claims paid since 1978
$26.1M
across 2,633 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
71%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Maricopa County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2014, with $7.5 million paid on 247 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 / AE71%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C29%
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 Maricopa County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Flooding1980207$1.9 million
Flooding1978106$416 thousand
Flooding199334$229 thousand
Flooding198319$50 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Maricopa County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
852553,835$716102$627 thousand
85054880$7594$104 thousand
85260468$88323$292 thousand
85262464$9067$646 thousand
85016449$51856$365 thousand
85331428$68161$441 thousand
85257414$84715$109 thousand
85018338$592120$1.6 million
85020277$47161$356 thousand
85086214$72621$487 thousand
85009151$1,35337$127 thousand
85326145$895101$869 thousand
85266145$73717$166 thousand
85013143$563102$406 thousand
85253142$817106$3.4 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Maricopa County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Maricopa County costs about $797 a year. The Arizona average is $949. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Maricopa County?

There are about 12,322 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Maricopa County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Maricopa County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Maricopa County have filed 2,633 flood claims, with $26.1 million paid out. 214 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 Arizona