Since 2000, flooding has cost U.S. taxpayers over $850 billion, accounting for two-thirds of the total costs from all natural disasters. From small towns to larger cities, floods have destroyed homes and left lasting financial and emotional impacts nationwide.

Many people assume flooding is only a concern for coastal areas or communities near rivers. However, it’s a nationwide issue happening constantly across the U.S. In fact, 99% of U.S. counties face some level of flood risk.

Another harrowing statistic? For the past 25 years, America has faced an urban flooding event every 2 to 3 days. 

It’s clear that flooding is a growing problem across the country, but some cities are hit harder than others. Whether it’s because of their location, climate, or outdated infrastructure, certain places seem to face major flooding time and time again. 

Understanding these vulnerable areas helps us plan for better flood mitigation in the future, including urban development, construction, and land changes.

In this blog, we list the top 10 cities in America that deal with the most significant flooding and what makes them so vulnerable. 

Cities That Experience the Most Floods in America

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

Why It Floods: Situated below sea level and surrounded by water, New Orleans is highly vulnerable to flooding. The city's levee system, while extensive, has faced challenges during major hurricanes like Katrina, which caused catastrophic flooding.

Mitigation Efforts: The city has invested in upgraded levees and flood pumps, but rising sea levels remain a growing threat.

2. Houston, Texas

Why It Floods: Houston experiences regular flooding due to its flat terrain, heavy rainfall, and urban sprawl, which reduces natural drainage. Hurricanes like Harvey in 2017 caused record-breaking floods in America.

Mitigation Efforts: Efforts include improved drainage systems and flood control reservoirs, but the city still struggles with stormwater management.

Our sister company, Flood Risk America, provided custom flood panels to protect University of Houston’s boiler room from flooding. 

3. Miami, Florida

Why It Floods: Miami faces flooding from storm surges, hurricanes, and rising sea levels, with "sunny day flooding" becoming increasingly common.

Mitigation Efforts: The city has implemented measures like raising roads and installing pumps, but the fight against sea-level rise is ongoing.

Many properties on the coast face increased risk of flooding in America, including this Miami condo building that FRA helped save from flooding.

4. Charleston, South Carolina

Why It Floods: This historic coastal city is prone to tidal flooding, storm surges, and heavy rainfall, which are exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems.

Mitigation Efforts: Charleston is investing in seawalls and drainage improvements to reduce flooding impacts.

5. New York City, New York

Why It Floods: Coastal storms like Hurricane Sandy in 2012 demonstrated New York’s vulnerability to flooding, particularly in lower Manhattan and coastal boroughs. Rising sea levels increase the risk.

Mitigation Efforts: Projects like the East Side Coastal Resiliency plan aim to protect the city, but challenges persist.

6. San Francisco, California

Why It Floods: Coastal flooding in America and heavy rainfall during atmospheric rivers make San Francisco susceptible, particularly in low-lying areas like the Embarcadero.

Mitigation Efforts: The city is working on improved stormwater systems and sea-level rise defenses.

7. New Orleans Metro Area Suburbs (Metairie, Kenner, etc.), Louisiana

Why It Floods: Like New Orleans itself, the surrounding suburbs face similar risks from the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. Poor drainage compounds the problem during heavy rain events.

Mitigation Efforts: Enhanced flood gates and local drainage upgrades are ongoing.

In 2021, we worked on a project in New Orleans to save a high-end resort from devastating flood damages.

8. Tampa, Florida

Why It Floods: Tampa is highly vulnerable to storm surges and hurricanes, with its low elevation and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico increasing the risks.

Mitigation Efforts: The city is focusing on fortifying infrastructure and addressing stormwater issues.

Our team at Flood Response Assistance deployed several custom flood panels in Tampa to prepare for last summer’s hurricanes Debby and Milton, including Tampa General Hospital’s elevators, floor drains, and to protect critical equipment. 

9. Biloxi, Mississippi

Why It Floods: This Gulf Coast city is often impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms, leading to severe flooding from storm surges and rainfall.

Mitigation Efforts: Biloxi has strengthened levees and flood walls, but its location remains risky.

10. St. Louis, Missouri

Why It Floods: Unlike the coastal cities on this list, St. Louis faces significant flooding from the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, especially during heavy rain seasons.

Mitigation Efforts: Improvements to levees and floodplains are in progress to minimize damages.

Addressing Flood Risks & Flood Response Nationwide

Flooding remains a growing concern for many American cities. Residents and businesses in high-risk areas can mitigate damage by investing in flood protection products, flood protection plans, and flood insurance. 

By recognizing these flood-prone cities and addressing their unique challenges, communities can build resilience and protect themselves against this devastating natural disaster.