Home Insurance in District of Columbia, District of Columbia
Homes in District of Columbia carry a median value of $737,100 - close to the District of Columbia median.
The typical home in District of Columbia was built around 1958. About 52% of homes were built before 1960, in line with District of Columbia (52%). Aging wiring, roofing and plumbing in older homes can push up the cost to insure or rebuild them.
Housing in District of Columbia breaks down to 33% single-family homes and 57% apartments in buildings with 5+ units. The rest are 2-4 unit or other housing types.
In District of Columbia, about 76% of owner-occupied homes have a mortgage - lenders require hazard insurance on every mortgaged home.
The vacancy rate is 10%; vacant or unoccupied homes typically need a different coverage form than an owner-occupied policy. About 42% of occupied homes in District of Columbia are owner-occupied.
In District of Columbia, 48% of homes are primarily heated with natural gas.
FEMA's National Risk Index lists earthquake (Relatively High), strong wind (Very High) and inland flooding (Relatively High) as the leading hazards for District of Columbia. Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake, so separate coverage is usually needed.
District of Columbia had 2,132 active National Flood Insurance Program policies as of September 2026. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, so flood coverage needs a separate NFIP or private flood policy.
The statewide average premium for a standard HO-3 homeowners policy in District of Columbia is $1,545 per year, according to the NAIC homeowners insurance report (2023 data).
Key figures
| Median home value | $737,100 |
|---|---|
| Median year built | 1958 |
| Owner-occupied share | 42% |
| Share of owner-occupied homes with a mortgage | 76% |
| Top hazards (FEMA National Risk Index) | Earthquake (Relatively High), Strong Wind (Very High), Inland Flooding (Relatively High) |
| Active NFIP flood policies (county) | 2,132 |
| Home insurance premium | $1,545 - statewide average (NAIC, 2023 data) |
Sources
Data last updated: 2026-09-29
- U.S. Census Bureau Gazetteer Files (2024)
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates (2024)
- FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025)
- FEMA OpenFEMA NFIP Redacted Policies v3 (2026)
- NAIC Dwelling Fire, Homeowners Owner-Occupied, and Homeowners Tenant and Condominium/Cooperative Unit Owners Insurance: Data for 2023 (published 2026) (2023)