Community Rating System

The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary program for communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The goals of the CRS are to reduce flood damages to insurable property, strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.  

The CRS has been developed to provide incentives in the form of premium discounts for communities that go beyond the minimum floodplain management requirements to develop extra measures to provide protection from flooding. The Mohave County Flood Control District has participated in this program since 1995. 

Throughout the United States, over 22,000 communities participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Of those communities, only 1,296 participate in the CRS program. Arizona has 32 participating communities and Mohave County is one of only 8 communities within the state that are a Class 6 or higher.

The Community Rating System is separated into ten community classes. A community is awarded points by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) based upon creditable activities that further the goals of the CRS. CRS Class 1 communities have earned the most credit points and receive the largest flood insurance premium reduction (45%); residents of Class 10 communities receive no premium credit.  

There are 18 activities recognized as measures for eliminating exposure to floods. Credit points are assigned to each activity. The activities are organized under 4 main categories:  Public Information, Mapping and Regulation, Flood Damage Reduction, and Flood Preparedness. To date, Mohave County has received over 2000 points, thus qualifying for a Class 6 rating. With the Class 6 rating, Mohave County residents may receive up to a 20 percent discount on their flood insurance premiums.