Lower-Risk Flood Zone

FEMA Flood Zone X Explained

Zone X covers areas with moderate to minimal flood risk. Understanding the difference between shaded and unshaded Zone X is essential for homebuyers and property owners.

What Is Flood Zone X?

Flood Zone X is FEMA's designation for areas outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). It encompasses both moderate-risk and minimal-risk areas, distinguished by whether the zone is "shaded" or "unshaded" on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Zone X is the most common flood zone designation in the United States, covering the majority of land area in most communities.

While properties in Zone X face lower flood risk than those in zones like AE or VE, it is important to understand that lower risk does not mean no risk. According to FEMA, more than 20% of all National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims come from properties in moderate-to-low risk zones. Flooding can happen anywhere it rains, and Zone X properties are not immune to storm surges, drainage failures, or unusually heavy precipitation events.

Understanding which type of Zone X your property falls in, shaded or unshaded, helps you make informed decisions about flood insurance and risk mitigation.

Zone X Shaded vs. Unshaded

Zone X (Shaded)

Moderate Risk - 0.2% Annual Chance of Flooding
  • Also known as the 500-year floodplain
  • Previously designated as Zone B under older maps
  • Areas protected by levees from the 1% annual chance flood
  • Areas with shallow flooding less than one foot of depth
  • Shown with gray or light shading on FEMA FIRMs

Zone X (Unshaded)

Minimal Risk - Outside the 0.2% Annual Chance Area
  • Areas determined to have minimal flood hazard
  • Previously designated as Zone C under older maps
  • Outside both the 100-year and 500-year floodplains
  • Lowest risk category on FEMA flood maps
  • Shown as blank (white) on FEMA FIRMs

What Happened to Zone B and Zone C?

When FEMA transitioned from paper maps to digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs), the naming conventions were updated. Zone B became Zone X (shaded) and Zone C became Zone X (unshaded). If you encounter references to Zone B or Zone C, they are functionally identical to their modern Zone X equivalents.

Some older communities may still have paper FIRMs that use the B and C designations. As FEMA updates these maps to digital format, the designations are converted to Zone X shaded and unshaded respectively. The risk levels and insurance implications remain the same regardless of which naming convention is used.

Insurance: Not Required, but Recommended

Flood insurance is not required by federal law for properties in Zone X, whether shaded or unshaded. Mortgage lenders cannot mandate flood insurance for properties outside the SFHA. However, this does not mean you should skip it.

More than 20% of all NFIP flood claims come from properties outside high-risk zones. Just because insurance is not required does not mean the risk is zero.

Several situations make purchasing flood insurance in Zone X particularly smart. If your property is near the boundary of a high-risk zone, your actual risk may be only slightly lower than your SFHA neighbors. If your area has experienced localized flooding from storms, drainage issues, or rapid development upstream, the real-world risk may exceed what the map suggests. Climate patterns are also shifting, and areas that were historically safe may face increased flooding as weather events intensify.

What Does Flood Insurance Cost in Zone X?

One of the biggest advantages of being in Zone X is significantly lower flood insurance premiums. Typical annual costs for a Zone X property range from $400 to $700 per year, making coverage very affordable compared to high-risk zones.

Properties in Zone X are eligible for the Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) through the NFIP, which offers reduced premiums for lower-risk properties. The PRP provides both building and contents coverage at rates well below standard NFIP policies. Private flood insurers may offer even more competitive rates for Zone X properties.

When Insurance Makes Sense in Zone X

  • Your property is near the boundary of a high-risk zone
  • Your area has experienced past flooding events
  • Significant development upstream has increased runoff
  • Your home sits in a low-lying area or near a drainage path
  • You have a finished basement or below-grade living space
  • You want coverage against unexpected events like dam or levee failure

At $400 to $700 per year, flood insurance in Zone X is a relatively low-cost way to protect what is likely your largest financial asset. The average NFIP flood claim exceeds $50,000, making even a modest policy a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.

Related Guides

Flood Insurance Cost Guide
Average premiums for Zone X and how to find the best rate.
What Is an SFHA?
Why Zone X falls outside the SFHA, and what that means for your insurance.
Risk Rating 2.0 Explained
How FEMA prices flood insurance for lower-risk Zone X properties.

Check Your Property's Flood Zone

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Disclaimer

This page provides general information about FEMA Flood Zone X for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, an official flood determination, or a review of your specific property's flood risk. Flood zones can change over time due to map revisions. Always verify current flood zone status through official FEMA resources or a certified flood determination provider before making property, insurance, or construction decisions.