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Glossary

Community Rating System (CRS)

The CRS is a FEMA program that rewards communities with flood insurance premium discounts for exceeding minimum floodplain management standards.

The Community Rating System, or CRS, is a voluntary FEMA program that provides flood insurance premium discounts to policyholders in communities that go above and beyond the minimum floodplain management requirements. Communities earn credit points for activities like maintaining open space, improving drainage, and providing public outreach about flood risk.

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Key takeaways

CRS discounts can reduce NFIP premiums by 5% to 45% depending on the community's class.
The program is voluntary — not all communities participate.
CRS discounts apply to all NFIP policyholders in the participating community, not just those in the SFHA.
Your community's CRS class is separate from your property's flood zone designation.

Why it matters

Homeowners in CRS communities may already be receiving discounted flood insurance without realizing it.
Even after a LOMA removes mandatory insurance, a CRS discount makes a voluntary policy even more affordable.
Understanding CRS helps homeowners see the full picture of what affects their flood insurance costs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my community participates in the CRS?

FEMA publishes a list of participating CRS communities on its website, updated regularly. You can also contact your local floodplain administrator or building department to ask about your community's CRS status and class rating.

How much can CRS save me on flood insurance?

Discounts range from 5% for a Class 9 community to 45% for a Class 1 community. Most participating communities fall in the Class 5 to Class 9 range, offering discounts of 5% to 25%. The discount applies automatically to NFIP policies in that community.

Does the CRS discount apply if I am in Zone X?

Yes. CRS discounts apply to all NFIP policyholders in the community, including those in Zone X who carry voluntary flood insurance. The discount percentage for Zone X policyholders is typically larger than for those in the SFHA.

Can I do anything to improve my community's CRS rating?

Individual homeowners cannot directly change the CRS class, but you can advocate for your community to participate or improve its rating. Activities like maintaining open space, supporting public outreach, and improving stormwater management all earn CRS credit points.