Flood insurance in Cumberland County, North Carolina

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
1,574
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$836
$169 below the North Carolina average
Claims paid since 1978
$24.8M
across 827 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
24%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Cumberland County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2016, with $17.1 million paid on 329 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 / AE24%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C76%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 29% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Cumberland County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Hurricane Matthew2016302$15.9 million
Hurricane Florence2018192$4.9 million
Mid-spring storms201426$644 thousand
Hurricane Debby20248$223 thousand
Hurricane Eta202011$183 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Cumberland County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
28314242$89489$1.3 million
28312221$763104$3.3 million
28306195$73558$2.2 million
28303169$82597$940 thousand
28304151$976108$3.8 million
28348145$59059$3.3 million
28301141$1,208173$7.4 million
28311140$78153$585 thousand
2830552$97147$413 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Cumberland County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Cumberland County costs about $836 a year. The North Carolina average is $1,005. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Cumberland County?

There are about 1,574 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Cumberland County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Cumberland County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Cumberland County have filed 827 flood claims, with $24.8 million paid out. 280 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 North Carolina