Flood insurance in Middlesex County, Massachusetts

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
7,105
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,322
$377 below the Massachusetts average
Claims paid since 1978
$36.4M
across 3,752 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
63%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Middlesex County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2010, with $10.3 million paid on 658 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 / AE63%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C37%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 49% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Middlesex County

EventYearClaimsPaid
March 2010 Nor'easter2010611$10.2 million
Flooding1996252$2.9 million
Flooding2001244$2.0 million
Flooding1978163$1.6 million
Flooding1998168$1.4 million

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Middlesex County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
01854648$2,938167$4.0 million
02474557$1,999333$1.3 million
01702356$1,073132$1.0 million
01890290$2,393163$4.0 million
02176261$1,72296$903 thousand
01863252$2,32057$467 thousand
01701229$1,06691$719 thousand
02142208$3,4487$5,512
02148189$1,57587$321 thousand
02141185$8717$36 thousand
01852183$2,22826$454 thousand
01730180$1,448116$1.1 million
01876165$87577$465 thousand
01821151$1,253284$2.4 million
02459144$718170$1.1 million

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Middlesex County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Middlesex County costs about $1,322 a year. The Massachusetts average is $1,699. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Middlesex County?

There are about 7,105 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Middlesex County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Middlesex County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Middlesex County have filed 3,752 flood claims, with $36.4 million paid out. 178 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 Massachusetts