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Floods by State 2024
Floods are natural disasters that can have devastating consequences, impacting communities across the United States. Defined as floods declared as federal emergencies by FEMA since 1953, these events can result from various factors such as heavy rainfall, snowmelt, hurricanes, or even human-made causes like dam failures. Floods pose significant risks to life, property, and infrastructure, making them a critical concern for disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts nationwide.
When examining flood occurrences and their associated impacts, certain states stand out prominently. For instance, Iowa has reported a staggering 561 floods since 1953, highlighting the vulnerability of its low-lying areas and extensive river systems to periodic inundation. North Dakota and Minnesota also experience a high frequency of floods, with factors such as snowmelt and spring rains contributing to the region's susceptibility to flooding.
Among the states with notable flood-related fatalities, Texas has witnessed the highest number, with over 1,000 reported flood-related deaths between 1959 and 2019. This statistic underscores the importance of effective flood warning systems, evacuation plans, and infrastructure resilience in mitigating the human toll of such disasters. Additionally, states like Louisiana, Virginia, and South Dakota have experienced significant flood-related fatalities and economic losses, highlighting the widespread impact of flooding on both coastal and inland regions.
- Floods = Floods declared as federal emergency by FEMA, since 1953
- Flood Fatalities = Reported flood-related deaths during the years 1959–2019
- Flood insurance rates shown are for flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
State | Floods | Fatalities | Fatality Rate | NFIP Cost Difference From 2021 | NFIP Insurance Average 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 561 | 52 | 0.30 | 2% | $819 |
| North Dakota | 481 | 15 | 0.37 | 5% | $805 |
| Minnesota | 471 | 59 | 0.23 | 3% | $823 |
| Texas | 360 | 1,069 | 1.08 | 17% | $843 |
| Missouri | 282 | 172 | 0.52 | 2% | $ |
| Virginia | 280 | 265 | 0.81 | 5% | $907 |
| South Dakota | 271 | 249 | 5.99 | 6% | $924 |
| Pennsylvania | 269 | 277 | 0.38 | 4% | $ |
| Kentucky | 257 | 178 | 0.77 | 6% | $ |
| Nebraska | 250 | 23 | 0.22 | 1% | $934 |
| California | 243 | 339 | 0.24 | 7% | $859 |
| Illinois | 241 | 95 | 0.13 | 1% | $ |
| West Virginia | 238 | 189 | 1.68 | 11% | $ |
| Arkansas | 235 | 139 | 0.90 | 9% | $917 |
| Washington | 214 | 31 | 0.12 | 4% | $930 |
| Oklahoma | 207 | 157 | 0.77 | 10% | $906 |
| Louisiana | 206 | 693 | 2.58 | 11% | $856 |
| Tennessee | 201 | 153 | 0.51 | 8% | $875 |
| Kansas | 178 | 69 | 0.45 | 6% | $858 |
| Indiana | 177 | 85 | 0.23 | 7% | $987 |
| New York | 161 | 199 | 0.18 | 3% | $ |
| Wisconsin | 153 | 22 | 0.07 | 3% | $869 |
| Michigan | 125 | 32 | 0.06 | 0% | $886 |
| Ohio | 116 | 179 | 0.27 | 3% | $937 |
| Oregon | 105 | 67 | 0.47 | 4% | $921 |
| Alabama | 104 | 87 | 0.35 | 6% | $986 |
| Colorado | 98 | 204 | 1.24 | 6% | $945 |
| Maine | 96 | 11 | 0.15 | 0% | $ |
| Arizona | 75 | 187 | 1.20 | 14% | $852 |
| Florida | 73 | 66 | 0.09 | 9% | $964 |
| New Jersey | 70 | 75 | 0.17 | 2% | $ |
| Vermont | 70 | 20 | 0.62 | 2% | $ |
| Mississippi | 68 | 266 | 0.49 | 9% | $880 |
| Montana | 63 | 48 | 1.07 | 2% | $920 |
| Georgia | 62 | 123 | 0.34 | 9% | $856 |
| New Mexico | 55 | 84 | 0.98 | 8% | $944 |
| Maryland | 54 | 76 | 0.29 | -2% | $855 |
| Idaho | 51 | 2 | 0.02 | 8% | $881 |
| Utah | 48 | 49 | 0.45 | 3% | $716 |
| New Hampshire | 47 | 12 | 0.19 | -2% | $ |
| North Carolina | 43 | 181 | 0.41 | 5% | $920 |
| Massachusetts | 42 | 11 | 0.03 | 1% | $ |
| Alaska | 37 | -15% | $747 | ||
| Nevada | 18 | 32 | 0.58 | 5% | $805 |
| South Carolina | 18 | 78 | 0.38 | 2% | $852 |
| Connecticut | 17 | 15 | 0.08 | 0% | $ |
| Wyoming | 17 | 22 | 0.79 | -3% | $868 |
| Hawaii | 11 | 6% | $ | ||
| Delaware | 3 | 18 | 0.52 | 4% | $ |
| Rhode Island | -4% | $ |