Flood insurance in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana

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
10,512
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,159
$120 above the Louisiana average
Claims paid since 1978
$161.4M
across 7,568 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
70%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in St. Charles Parish, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2021, with $22.9 million paid on 748 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 / AE70%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C30%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 21% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in St. Charles Parish

EventYearClaimsPaid
Flooding19952,026$55.7 million
Hurricane Ida2021711$22.5 million
Flooding1989670$14.6 million
Hurricane Katrina20051,736$12.5 million
Hurricane Francine2024209$9.9 million

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in St. Charles Parish with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
700473,522$9403,219$77.9 million
700702,938$1,4721,341$16.9 million
700871,339$8741,310$28.8 million
70079814$958888$27.6 million
70030547$1,144245$3.1 million
70039480$1,969255$3.1 million
70057339$1,186146$2.8 million
70031151$1,45153$427 thousand
70080132$1,55850$351 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in St. Charles Parish?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in St. Charles Parish costs about $1,159 a year. The Louisiana average is $1,039. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in St. Charles Parish?

There are about 10,512 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in St. Charles Parish, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does St. Charles Parish flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in St. Charles Parish have filed 7,568 flood claims, with $161.4 million paid out. 1,617 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 Louisiana