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Albany, NY · Albany County

Water Risk Profile — ZIP 12210

Flood risk, local cost data, climate factors, and insurance context for your ZIP code.

Flood Risk

medium-high

Cost Range

$2,800–$14,500

Avg Response

43 min

NFIP

State participates

Local Climate & Risk Factors

Albany sits on the Hudson River with the Normanskill and Patroon Creek flowing through the city. Remnant Hurricane Ida (2021) and Hurricane Irene (2011) caused significant flooding throughout the Capital Region. Pre-war brownstone and brick housing stock throughout Albany constitutes significant deferred maintenance plumbing risk. The city receives 47 inches of rain per year and 60+ inches of snow — ice dams in winter are a major category of roof-to-ceiling water damage. State government-related building stock has varied maintenance histories.

Flood-prone areas: South End and Arbor Hill near the Hudson have highest flood risk. Pine Hills and Center Square are higher ground. Buckingham Pond area has stormwater ponding risk.

Insurance tip: Albany homeowners near the Hudson River or Normanskill Creek need NFIP flood insurance. Combined sewer overflow areas need water backup riders. Older pre-war properties should have a plumbing inspection — lead and galvanized pipe failures are common and not covered under standard homeowners insurance as maintenance issues.

Water Category Cost Table — Albany, NY

Extraction & drying cost per square foot by IICRC water category

Water Category$/sq ft
Category 1 — Clean

Burst supply line, clean appliance overflow

$4.76–$11.69
Category 2 — Gray

Dishwasher, washing machine, toilet bowl (no feces)

$11.69–$14.14
Category 3 — Black

Sewage backup, floodwater, toilet overflow with feces

$16.61–$20.9

Estimates exclude reconstruction (drywall, flooring replacement). National benchmarks: Cat 1 $3.75–$4.25, Cat 2 $4.10–$6.50, Cat 3 $7–$7.50/sq ft — adjusted for Albany market (5.619/sq ft range).

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