New Orleans, LA Flood Zone Map
FEMA flood zone data for New Orleans. The map below shows high-risk areas (FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas) over local waterways and streets -- computed from the official FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer.
- High risk
- Moderate
- Lower risk
- Not mapped
Flood Zone Breakdown for New Orleans
About 100% of the mapped area in New Orleans falls within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (high-risk or moderate-risk flood zone). The breakdown by zone:
- V 73% Zone V
- AE 23% Zone AE
- VE 3% Zone VE
- X 0% Zone X
Where Flooding Comes From in New Orleans
Riverine and coastal flooding (Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain).
- Donner Cnl
- Jahncke Cnl
- Lagoon No 1
- Guichard Cnl
- Florida Walk Cnl
- Byu Bienvenue
- Cnl No 5
- Cnl No 2
Flood Zone Details for New Orleans
| Zone | Risk level | Area | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| V | Coastal high-hazard zone without a detailed BFE study. High risk from storm surge and wave action. | 73% | Flood insurance is typically required for federally backed mortgages. |
| AE | High-risk riverine or coastal flood zone with a computed base flood elevation (BFE). About a 1-in-100 chance of flooding each year. | 23% | Flood insurance is typically required for federally backed mortgages. |
| VE | Coastal high-hazard zone with wave action. This is the highest-risk designation -- expect storm surge plus breaking waves. | 3% | Flood insurance is required for federally backed mortgages and is especially important here. |
| X | Lower-risk zone outside the 1% annual chance flood boundary. Flooding is still possible but less likely than in high-risk zones. | 0% | Flood insurance is not required but may still be a smart choice -- nearly one-third of flood claims (29% over 2014-2024) come from lower-risk areas. |
Learn More About the Zones in New Orleans
Check YOUR Exact Address in New Orleans
The map above shows the broad flood zone picture for New Orleans. Your specific property may be in a different zone -- the only way to know for certain is to check your exact address.