The Different Flood Zones

Flood zones are land areas identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Each flood zone describes that land area in terms of its risk of flooding. Everyone lives in a flood zone–it's just a question of whether you live in a low, moderate, or high risk area.

Risk Level Category	Flood Hazard Zone
High Flood Risk	AE, A, AH or AO Zone. These properties have a 1 percent chance of flooding in any year and a 26 percent chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. VE or V Zone. These properties also have a 1 percent chance of flooding in any year and also face hazards associated with coastal storm waves. Insurance Note: High-risk areas are called Special Flood Hazard Areas, and flood insurance is mandatory for most mortgage holders.*
Low or Moderate Flood Risk	Shaded X Zone. These properties are outside the high-risk zones. The risk is reduced but not removed. X Zone. These properties are in an area of lower risk. Insurance Note: Lower-cost preferred rate flood insurance policies (known as Preferred Risk Policies) are often an option in these areas.

Risk Level Category

Flood Hazard Zone

High Flood Risk

AE, A, AH or AO Zone. These properties have a 1 percent chance of flooding in any year and a 26 percent chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage.

VE or V Zone. These properties also have a 1 percent chance of flooding in any year and also face hazards associated with coastal storm waves.

Insurance Note: High-risk areas are called Special Flood Hazard Areas, and flood insurance is mandatory for most mortgage holders.*

Low or Moderate Flood Risk

Shaded X Zone. These properties are outside the high-risk zones. The risk is reduced but not removed.

X Zone. These properties are in an area of lower risk.

Insurance Note: Lower-cost preferred rate flood insurance policies (known as Preferred Risk Policies) are often an option in these areas.

Current Flood Maps