Water Risk Profile — ZIP 28409
Flood risk, local cost data, climate factors, and insurance context for your ZIP code.
Flood Risk
Very High
Cost Range
$2,000–$14,000
Avg Response
50 min
NFIP
State participates
Local Climate & Risk Factors
Wilmington area properties face North Carolina's hurricane and tropical storm flooding risk — the state has been struck by 13 named storms since 2000. Eastern NC has some of the highest flood insurance uptake in the country due to repeated flooding events. Western NC mountain communities faced unprecedented flooding from Hurricane Helene in 2024. NC's humid subtropical climate means mold establishes within 24–48 hours of any moisture event. Sewer backup endorsements are important in older NC cities with combined sewer infrastructure.
Flood-prone areas: Sunset Park, Holly Tree, and all communities west of US-17 in the Cape Fear floodplain face highest storm surge and river overflow risk
Water Category Cost Table — Wilmington, NC
Extraction & drying cost per square foot by IICRC water category
| Water Category | $/sq ft |
|---|---|
| Category 1 — Clean Burst supply line, clean appliance overflow | $3.4–$9.97 |
| Category 2 — Gray Dishwasher, washing machine, toilet bowl (no feces) | $9.97–$12.07 |
| Category 3 — Black Sewage backup, floodwater, toilet overflow with feces | $14.18–$18.7 |
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 Wilmington market (4–17/sq ft range).