Flood insurance in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

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
631
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$1,750
$107 above the Pennsylvania average
Claims paid since 1978
$16.9M
across 1,600 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
64%
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 2011, with $6.0 million paid on 274 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 / AE64%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C36%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 38% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in Cumberland County

EventYearClaimsPaid
Tropical Storm Lee2011157$4.7 million
Tropical Storm Ivan2004201$3.9 million
Flooding1996215$3.7 million
Flooding1984209$586 thousand
Not a named storm1979112$308 thousand

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in Cumberland County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
17011116$2,131300$4.2 million
17070111$1,983408$5.8 million
17013104$1,28584$371 thousand
1705076$1,482188$636 thousand
1705574$1,710261$1.5 million
1725768$1,69938$225 thousand
1701551$1,49450$534 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in Cumberland County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in Cumberland County costs about $1,750 a year. The Pennsylvania average is $1,643. 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 631 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 1,600 flood claims, with $16.9 million paid out. 41 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 Pennsylvania