Articles

Flood risk research & analysis

Methodology, regional deep-dives, and how to read flood risk data.

Property risk

Why first-floor elevation matters

First-floor elevation matters because flood damage depends on whether water reaches usable space. Two nearby properties can share a local flood score while facing different damage potential because the finished floor sits at a different height.

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Risk drivers

River flooding vs rainfall flooding

River flooding comes from water moving through channels and floodplains, while rainfall flooding can happen when intense local rain exceeds drainage capacity. A local score should consider both because either driver can affect a property.

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Risk basics

How to read a flood risk score

A flood risk score summarizes long-run local exposure to river, rainfall, coastal, terrain, and drainage-driven flooding on a 0 to 10 scale. Read it with FEMA context, modeled water drivers, and property elevation.

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Data sources

FEMA flood zones vs modeled flood risk

FEMA flood zones provide regulatory and insurance-map context, while modeled flood risk estimates physical exposure from terrain, rainfall, rivers, drainage, and coastal influence. Both views can help, and they answer different planning questions.

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Risk drivers

Compound flooding, explained

Compound flooding occurs when more than one water source or drainage constraint acts together, such as rainfall, river flow, tide, surge, or blocked drainage. The combined condition can raise local water levels beyond what a single-driver view suggests.

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Want the full picture for a specific property?

The scores on this site show the representative flood layer for a local area. Enter a street address to add building age, construction type, roof details, occupancy, surroundings, and property-level context.

Free results for any US street address.