Flood Zone Lookup

Example: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500

Coastal high hazard areaZones V, VE

A Special Flood Hazard Area on the coast with storm-driven waves. Flood insurance is required for buildings with federally backed mortgages.

Special Flood Hazard AreaZones A, AE, AH, AO, AR, A99

At least a 1% chance of flooding each year (the 100-year floodplain). Flood insurance is required for buildings with federally backed mortgages.

Moderate flood hazardShaded X, B

Between a 0.2% and 1% chance of flooding each year (the 500-year floodplain), or areas protected by levees. Insurance is optional but recommended.

Minimal flood hazardZones X, C

Outside the 500-year floodplain. Flood insurance is optional, yet FEMA says more than 20% of flood insurance claims come from outside high-risk zones.

UndeterminedZone D

Flood risk has not been studied here. Flood insurance is available and rates reflect the uncertainty.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my house is in a flood zone?

Enter the address above. We look it up in FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer, the same digital flood maps lenders use. Zones that start with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas.

Do I need flood insurance?

If your building is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (zones A or V) and has a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, flood insurance is required. Elsewhere it is optional, but standard homeowners policies do not cover floods.

What is a base flood elevation?

It is the height floodwater is expected to reach in a 1% annual chance (100-year) flood. Buildings with their lowest floor above it usually pay less for flood insurance.

Is this an official flood determination?

No. This lookup is for information only. Lenders and insurers use official flood zone determinations, and maps can change. Confirm with the FEMA Flood Map Service Center or your local floodplain manager.