Flood insurance in El Paso County, Texas

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
2,960
NFIP policies in force
Average yearly premium
$589
$427 below the Texas average
Claims paid since 1978
$6.3M
across 780 claims
Policies in high-risk zones
75%
zones A and V, where known

Flood claims paid per year

NFIP claims paid in El Paso County, 2000–2026

The three costliest years. The worst was 2021, with $2.3 million paid on 45 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 / AE75%
High-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding each year. Insurance is required with a federally backed mortgage.
Zone X, B, C25%
Moderate to low risk. Insurance is optional, and policies are usually much cheaper.

Zone not reported for 44% of policies; shares are of policies with a known zone.

Costliest flood events

Named events by NFIP claims paid in El Paso County

EventYearClaimsPaid
2026-06-Arthur-TS20261$20 thousand
Tropical Storm Allison20013$4,275
Flooding19811$972
Thunderstorms20072$0
Flooding19981$0

Flood insurance by ZIP code

ZIP codes in El Paso County with at least 50 policies

ZIPPoliciesAvg premiumClaims since 1978Paid
79915518$44899$135 thousand
79922406$75075$348 thousand
79932392$825119$624 thousand
79924386$547133$1.2 million
79907238$48359$138 thousand
79904198$50360$535 thousand
79912161$41277$1.4 million
79905135$66734$215 thousand
7993089$51821$100 thousand
7992773$33412$30 thousand
7993661$7499$357 thousand
7990351$67815$534 thousand

Common questions

How much does flood insurance cost in El Paso County?

The average NFIP flood insurance policy in El Paso County costs about $589 a year. The Texas average is $1,016. Your own premium depends on your building's flood risk, elevation and the coverage you choose.

How many homes have flood insurance in El Paso County?

There are about 2,960 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in El Paso County, according to FEMA's latest policy data. Private flood policies are not included.

How often does El Paso County flood?

Since 1978, NFIP policyholders in El Paso County have filed 780 flood claims, with $6.3 million paid out. 95 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 Texas