The full explanation
If your home is in one of these zones, in a community that takes part in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and you have a government-backed mortgage or one from a regulated lender, the law requires you to carry flood insurance. The lender must tell you in writing if the home is in one of these zones.
An example
Before closing, Lina gets a notice from her lender: the home is in zone AE. Because her loan requires it, she buys flood insurance before closing.
In numbers: special flood hazard area
Homes in FEMA's high-risk flood zone: the share of homes FEMA places in its high-risk zone, nationwide and in some of the 50 states.
- Nationwide
- 3.5%
| State | Figure |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | 15.3% |
| Arkansas | 3.4% |
| Oklahoma | 2.2% |
| Michigan | 1.6% |
| Minnesota | 0.7% |
If someone mentions "special flood hazard area", think of these figures: in Louisiana, 15.3% of homes are in that zone; in Minnesota, 0.7%; nationwide, 3.5%.
Sources: Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) (As of August 3, 2026)
You will see it in…
- FEMA's flood map for your address
- The lender's flood hazard notice, before closing
- Your flood insurance policy, which shows the zone
