Mount Vernon, Washington Flood Zones
Last updated: March 2026
Mount Vernon faces flooding from the Skagit River, which is one of the most flood-prone rivers in Washington state. Heavy winter rainfall and atmospheric river events cause the Skagit River to overflow its levees.
Skagit County has recorded 1,285 NFIP flood insurance claims since 1978, totaling $20.1M in payouts. Explore the full NFIP claims data by state and county to see how this area compares nationally.
FEMA Region
Region 10
NFIP Policies
3,530
Skagit County
Avg. Premium
$1,024/yr
Skagit County
FEMA Flood Risk Profile: Skagit County
Based on FEMA's National Risk Index, which evaluates flood risk at the county level using historical loss data, exposure, and vulnerability.
Inland Flood Risk
Relatively ModerateEst. annual loss: $34.0M
Coastal Flood Risk
Relatively HighEst. annual loss: $7.0M
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, county-level assessment. Individual property risk may vary.
Federal Flood Disaster History: Skagit County
Skagit County has been included in 12 federal flood-related disaster declarations.
...and 4 earlier declarations since 1971.
These declarations affected communities across Skagit County, including Mount Vernon.
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries API. Data sourced February 2026.
NFIP Flood Insurance Claims: Skagit County
Properties in Skagit County have filed 1,285 NFIP flood insurance claims totaling $20.1M in payouts since 1978. The average claim payout is $16K.
Highest-Claim Years
1990
272 claims - $2.3M
1995
217 claims - $2.8M
2003
178 claims - $3.6M
Claims by Flood Zone
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims API. Data sourced March 2026. See national claims data.
What Your Flood Zone Means in Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon faces flood risk primarily from river and stream overflow during heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or upstream dam releases. When rivers exceed their banks, floodwaters spread across low-lying areas mapped in AE and A zones. The most common FEMA flood zone designations in Mount Vernon are Zone AE, Zone X. FEMA's National Risk Index estimates the county's annual expected loss from inland flooding at over $34.0M.
Riverine flood risk in Mount Vernon is driven by the proximity and elevation of properties relative to nearby waterways. Properties closer to rivers with lower ground elevations typically face higher flood insurance premiums under FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0. If your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and you have a federally regulated or government-backed mortgage, federal law generally requires your lender to ensure you carry flood insurance.
River flood maps can change when FEMA conducts new Flood Insurance Studies or when development alters drainage patterns. Letters of Map Amendment (LOMA) can remove individual properties if the natural ground elevation was always above the Base Flood Elevation and the property was inadvertently mapped in the SFHA. Use our free lookup tool to check the current flood zone for any Mount Vernon address.
Flood Insurance Discount: Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon participates in FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS), a voluntary program that rewards communities for flood mitigation efforts beyond minimum NFIP requirements. Residents in the Special Flood Hazard Area may qualify for reduced flood insurance premiums.
CRS Class
Class 6
SFHA Premium Discount
20% off
CRS classes range from 1 (best) to 10 (no discount). Mount Vernon's Class 6 rating means NFIP policyholders in the SFHA can receive up to a 20% discount on their flood insurance premiums. Properties outside the SFHA may receive a 10% discount.
Source: FEMA Community Rating System, October 2025. Discounts apply to NFIP policies only.
Mount Vernon, WA Flood Zone FAQ
What flood zones are in Mount Vernon, WA?
The most common FEMA flood zones in Mount Vernon are Zone AE, Zone X. Properties in these high-risk zones (SFHA) may require flood insurance with a federally regulated or government-backed mortgage.
Is flood insurance required in Mount Vernon?
If your Mount Vernon property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and you have a federally regulated or government-backed mortgage, federal law generally requires your lender to ensure you carry flood insurance. Properties in Zone X are not federally required to carry flood insurance, though coverage is still recommended since over 40% of all NFIP flood claims come from Zone X properties.
How do I check my flood zone in Mount Vernon?
Enter your Mount Vernon address in the search tool above for an instant flood zone determination. Results include your FEMA flood zone, SFHA status, base flood elevation (if available), and FIRM panel information, pulled directly from FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer.
Does Mount Vernon offer flood insurance discounts?
Yes. Mount Vernon participates in FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS) with a Class 6 rating, qualifying residents in the Special Flood Hazard Area for up to a 20% discount on NFIP flood insurance premiums. Properties outside the SFHA may receive a 10% discount.
Has Mount Vernon experienced major flooding events?
Skagit County, where Mount Vernon is located, has been part of 12 federal disaster declarations for flooding, hurricanes, or severe storms. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides in 2025. Federal disaster declarations are issued when flooding overwhelms local resources and triggers FEMA assistance programs.
How many flood insurance claims have been filed in Mount Vernon?
Skagit County has recorded 1,285 NFIP flood insurance claims totaling $20.1M in payouts since 1978. The year with the most claims was 1990, with 272 claims and $2.3M in payouts. These figures cover all NFIP claims in the county, including Mount Vernon.
How many flood insurance policies are active in Mount Vernon?
Skagit County currently has 3,530 active NFIP flood insurance policies with an average annual premium of $1,024. The most policies are in Zone A (2,195 policies). These figures cover all active NFIP policies in the county.
Can my Mount Vernon property be removed from a high-risk flood zone?
Yes, if your property's natural ground elevation is above the Base Flood Elevation and FEMA inadvertently mapped it in a high-risk zone, you can apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). A successful LOMA removes the property from the Special Flood Hazard Area, generally eliminating the federal mandatory flood insurance requirement. You will need an elevation certificate from a licensed surveyor. If a property was raised above the BFE with fill material, the process is a LOMR-F rather than a LOMA.
What is Base Flood Elevation in Mount Vernon?
Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the predicted height of floodwaters during a 1% annual chance (100-year) flood, shown on FEMA maps as an elevation number in feet above sea level. In Mount Vernon's Zone AE areas, BFE lines appear on the FIRM as wavy contours labeled with elevation values. Properties with a lowest floor at or above the BFE typically qualify for significantly lower NFIP flood insurance premiums.
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Look Up Any Mount Vernon, WA Address
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Disclaimer: Flood risk data on this page is sourced from FEMA datasets including the National Risk Index, NFIP claims and policy records, disaster declarations, and the Community Rating System. These datasets were last extracted on March 2026 and may not reflect the most recent changes. This page is for informational purposes only and is not a certified flood zone determination. Always verify current flood zone status through FEMA or a licensed determination provider before making property, insurance, or lending decisions.