Flood insurance in Benton County, Oregon

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
706
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$983
$200 below the Oregon average
Claims paid since 1978
$544K
across 70 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
76%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in Benton County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2012, with $168 thousand paid on 14 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 / AE76%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C24%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 42% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Benton County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Flooding199621$186 thousand
Flooding19975$19 thousand
Winter storm20071$9,037

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Benton County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
97330259$86418$259 thousand
97321251$83425$156 thousand
97333232$1,01041$437 thousand
9737083$1,47412$42 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Benton County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Benton County costs about $983 a year. The Oregon average is $1,183. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in Benton County?

There are about 706 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Benton County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does Benton County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in Benton County have filed 70 flood claims, with $544 thousand paid out. 7 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 Oregon