Charleston, SC Flood Zone Map
FEMA flood zone data for Charleston. 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 Charleston
About 11% of the mapped area in Charleston falls within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (high-risk or moderate-risk flood zone). The breakdown by zone:
- AE 6% Zone AE
- VE 5% Zone VE
- A 0% Zone A
- X 88% Zone X
- OPEN WATER 1% Zone OPEN WATER
Where Flooding Comes From in Charleston
Tidal and coastal flooding (Charleston Harbor, Ashley River, Cooper River).
- Dill Crk
- Julia Waterway
- James Island Crk
- Orange Grove Crk
- Halsey Crk
- Parrot Point Crk
- Ashley Riv
- Sandy Bay Crk
Flood Zone Details for Charleston
| Zone | Risk level | Area | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | 6% | 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. | 5% | Flood insurance is required for federally backed mortgages and is especially important here. |
| A | High-risk flood zone without a detailed BFE study. About a 1-in-100 chance of flooding each year. | 0% | Flood insurance is typically required for federally backed mortgages. |
| X | Lower-risk zone outside the 1% annual chance flood boundary. Flooding is still possible but less likely than in high-risk zones. | 88% | Flood insurance is not required but may still be a smart choice -- about 25% of flood claims come from lower-risk areas. |
| OPEN WATER | Flood zone as mapped by FEMA. | 1% | Consult your lender and local floodplain office. |
Learn More About the Zones in Charleston
Check YOUR Exact Address in Charleston
The map above shows the broad flood zone picture for Charleston. Your specific property may be in a different zone -- the only way to know for certain is to check your exact address.