Homeowners Insurance Cost by State 2026
Average homeowners insurance costs for all 50 US states — with the cheapest and most expensive states ranked, state-specific cost drivers, and proven ways to lower your premium.
Quick Answer: Average Homeowners Insurance Cost 2026
Coverage basis: $300,000 dwelling coverage, $100,000 liability, standard deductible. Rates are for a 10-year-old home with no recent claims. The cheapest state is Hawaii ($530/yr) and most expensive is Oklahoma ($5,900/yr) — a difference of more than 11×.
Homeowners Insurance Cost by State — All 50 States
The table below shows average annual homeowners insurance premiums for a $300,000 home with standard coverage in 2026. Sorted alphabetically by default — click "Annual Cost" to sort by price.
| State | Annual Cost ↕ | Monthly | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,800 | $233 | +22% |
| Alaska | $1,650 | $138 | -28% |
| Arizona | $1,500 | $125 | -35% |
| Arkansas | $3,400 | $283 | +48% |
| California | $1,800 | $150 | -22% |
| Colorado | $3,900 | $325 | +70% |
| Connecticut | $1,900 | $158 | -17% |
| Delaware | $950 | $79 | -59% |
| Florida | $4,000 | $333 | +74% |
| Georgia | $2,200 | $183 | -4% |
| Hawaii | $530 | $44 | -77% |
| Idaho | $1,250 | $104 | -46% |
| Illinois | $2,100 | $175 | -9% |
| Indiana | $2,000 | $167 | -13% |
| Iowa | $2,300 | $192 | 0% |
| Kansas | $4,800 | $400 | +109% |
| Kentucky | $2,600 | $217 | +13% |
| Louisiana | $3,500 | $292 | +52% |
| Maine | $1,050 | $88 | -54% |
| Maryland | $1,750 | $146 | -24% |
| Massachusetts | $1,700 | $142 | -26% |
| Michigan | $1,850 | $154 | -20% |
| Minnesota | $2,050 | $171 | -11% |
| Mississippi | $3,300 | $275 | +43% |
| Missouri | $3,600 | $300 | +57% |
| Montana | $2,400 | $200 | +4% |
| Nebraska | $4,400 | $367 | +91% |
| Nevada | $1,300 | $108 | -43% |
| New Hampshire | $1,000 | $83 | -57% |
| New Jersey | $1,600 | $133 | -30% |
| New Mexico | $2,150 | $179 | -7% |
| New York | $1,950 | $163 | -15% |
| North Carolina | $2,500 | $208 | +9% |
| North Dakota | $2,700 | $225 | +17% |
| Ohio | $1,650 | $138 | -28% |
| Oklahoma | $5,900 | $492 | +157% |
| Oregon | $1,150 | $96 | -50% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,550 | $129 | -33% |
| Rhode Island | $1,800 | $150 | -22% |
| South Carolina | $2,900 | $242 | +26% |
| South Dakota | $3,100 | $258 | +35% |
| Tennessee | $2,700 | $225 | +17% |
| Texas | $4,200 | $350 | +83% |
| Utah | $1,100 | $92 | -52% |
| Vermont | $900 | $75 | -61% |
| Virginia | $1,450 | $121 | -37% |
| Washington | $1,350 | $113 | -41% |
| West Virginia | $2,600 | $217 | +13% |
| Wisconsin | $1,200 | $100 | -48% |
| Wyoming | $3,000 | $250 | +30% |
Source: NAIC Market Share Report, state insurance department rate filings. Premiums for $300K dwelling/$100K liability, 10-year-old home, no recent claims.
10 Cheapest States for Homeowners Insurance
The cheapest states share common characteristics: few natural catastrophes, low property crime, moderate rebuilding costs, and stable insurance markets.
Hawaii (#1, $530/yr) is the cheapest state by a wide margin, despite being prone to volcanic activity and hurricanes. The reason: Hawaiian homes are built to strict codes, the state has very low property crime, and the homeowners insurance market remains competitive. Wildfire risk is low compared to the continental US.
Vermont and New Hampshire (ranks 2–3) benefit from New England's relatively stable weather (fewer tornadoes and hurricanes than the South), low population density, and low crime rates. Rural states with modest home values and few large-claim events keep premiums low.
Delaware and Maine round out the top 5. Delaware's location makes it moderately hurricane-resistant, and its compact geography keeps claim management costs low. Maine has rare catastrophic weather events and low theft rates.
Utah, Oregon, and Wisconsin (ranks 6–8) are affordable due to moderate climates, low wildfire costs in populated areas (Oregon is improving after recent wildfire seasons), and competitive insurance markets. Idaho and Nevada complete the cheapest 10, with dry climates that reduce mold/water damage claims.
10 Most Expensive States for Homeowners Insurance
The most expensive states are concentrated in two "catastrophe corridors": Tornado Alley (Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri) and the Gulf/Atlantic Coast (Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi).
Oklahoma (#1, $5,900/yr) is the most expensive state for homeowners insurance in the country. Oklahoma sits in the heart of Tornado Alley and experiences more tornadoes per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Coupled with severe hail events that damage roofs across the state, insurers price this risk accordingly. Some insurers have exited the Oklahoma market entirely.
Kansas and Nebraska (ranks 2–3) have the same Tornado Alley problem as Oklahoma, with devastating hailstorms compounding tornado risk. Nebraska has seen some of the costliest hail events per capita of any state, with single storms causing $1–$2 billion in insured losses.
Texas (#4, $4,200/yr) is expensive for multiple reasons: it straddles three catastrophe zones — Gulf Coast hurricanes, Tornado Alley tornadoes/hail in the Panhandle, and winter storms (see: 2021 freeze event). Texas also has high litigation costs and generous roof replacement laws that drive up claim costs.
Florida (#5, $4,000/yr) has a homeowners insurance crisis that has forced several insurers into insolvency and pushed rates to historic highs. Hurricane risk is the core driver, but assignment of benefits (AOB) fraud — where contractors sue insurers directly without homeowner knowledge — multiplied claim costs for years. Legislative reforms in 2023–2024 have started to stabilize the market.
Colorado (#6, $3,900/yr) is the surprising entry on this list. Colorado homeowners insurance has surged due to catastrophic wildfires (Marshall Fire 2021 destroyed 1,000+ homes) and some of the worst hailstorms in the US. The Boulder/Denver metro area has seen double-digit rate increases for three consecutive years.
Missouri, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi (ranks 7–10) are all impacted by some combination of tornadoes, Gulf Coast hurricanes, and flash flooding. Louisiana's market is particularly stressed after multiple catastrophic hurricane seasons.
Why Homeowners Insurance Costs Differ by State
Insurers price homeowners policies based on the expected cost of claims. Here are the six primary factors that drive state-level cost differences:
1. Natural Disaster Risk (Biggest Factor)
Tornadoes, hurricanes, hailstorms, wildfires, and earthquakes drive the largest premium differences between states. Tornado Alley (Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas) and Hurricane Belt (Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi) states pay dramatically more. A $300,000 home in Tulsa, Oklahoma faces annual tornado and hail exposure that the same home in Burlington, Vermont will never experience. Insurers model catastrophe risk at the ZIP code level — two homes a mile apart can have very different premiums based on modeled exposure.
2. Rebuilding Costs (Cost of Construction)
Homeowners insurance covers the cost to rebuild your home — not its market value. States with higher labor and material costs (California, New York, Massachusetts) have higher rebuilding costs, which means higher insured values and thus higher premiums. Post-pandemic inflation drove rebuilding costs up 30–50% nationwide between 2020–2023, which is a major reason premiums have risen everywhere.
3. State Insurance Regulations
Some states have insurance commissioners who aggressively limit rate increases, creating markets where insurers can't price risk appropriately — leading them to exit. California's rate suppression policies led major insurers (State Farm, Allstate, Farmers) to stop writing new policies in 2023. Florida's AOB litigation environment did the same. When competition decreases, rates rise for everyone who stays. Conversely, states with deregulated markets (like Texas) allow insurers to price freely, which can create more competition and better rates for low-risk homeowners.
4. Property Crime Rates
Homeowners insurance covers theft and vandalism. States with higher property crime rates — particularly urban areas with high burglary rates — see premium increases that reflect the likelihood of a personal property claim. The FBI Crime Statistics show property crime rates vary by a factor of 3–4× between the safest and least safe states, which shows up in premiums.
5. Credit Scoring Laws
Most states allow insurers to use credit scores as a rating factor — homeowners with excellent credit (750+) typically pay 20–40% less than those with poor credit for identical coverage. However, California, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Hawaii prohibit credit-based insurance scoring for homeowners insurance. In states that ban credit scoring, premiums are averaged across all risk profiles, which can make rates higher for good-credit homeowners and lower for poor-credit homeowners compared to states that allow credit scoring.
6. Claims History and Litigation Culture
States with higher claims frequency, larger average claim amounts, or more insurance-related litigation see higher premiums across the board. Florida's litigation abuse added an estimated $4 billion in insured losses from non-hurricane litigation between 2017–2021 — costs that were passed on to all Florida policyholders. Oklahoma's high tornado claims frequency means insurers must collect enough in good years to cover catastrophic loss years.
Home Insurance Rates by Region
South Central — Highest Rates (Tornado Alley)
Oklahoma ($5,900), Kansas ($4,800), Nebraska ($4,400), Texas ($4,200), Missouri ($3,600), Arkansas ($3,400). This region has the highest concentration of severe weather risk in the country. Beyond standard homeowners insurance, many residents also need separate windstorm or hail riders in some counties. If you're buying in this region, get at least 4 quotes — premiums vary 40–60% between carriers for the same home.
Gulf Coast — Hurricane Belt
Florida ($4,000), Louisiana ($3,500), Mississippi ($3,300). Gulf Coast states face annual hurricane risk. Florida has its own insurance crisis requiring special attention: the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance is used as a last resort, and private insurers have been filing for insolvency at alarming rates. Louisiana residents in New Orleans and coastal parishes often need separate windstorm insurance through the Louisiana Citizens plan. Always check whether your policy covers named storms.
Mountain West — Rising Wildfire Risk
Colorado ($3,900), Montana ($2,400), Wyoming ($3,000). The Mountain West has seen rapidly rising rates due to wildfire losses. Colorado's rate increases after the 2021 Marshall Fire were among the largest of any state in the country. In high-risk wildfire zones, some insurers have stopped writing policies entirely, forcing homeowners to use state FAIR Plans at much higher rates. If you're buying in a wildland-urban interface zone, get an insurance commitment before you close.
Northeast — Moderate and Competitive
Vermont ($900), New Hampshire ($1,000), Maine ($1,050), Delaware ($950), Connecticut ($1,900), Massachusetts ($1,700), New York ($1,950), New Jersey ($1,600). The Northeast has relatively moderate rates for the population density. Coastal New England and New Jersey do face occasional nor'easter and hurricane risk, but the frequency is lower than the Gulf Coast. Massachusetts and New York have higher rebuilding costs that push premiums above other low-risk states.
Pacific Coast — Below Average (with exceptions)
Hawaii ($530), Oregon ($1,150), Washington ($1,350), California ($1,800). Hawaii is the nation's cheapest state despite being an island. Oregon and Washington have relatively low rates due to few tornadoes/hurricanes, though both face earthquake and wildfire exposure. California is interesting — statewide averages look moderate at $1,800, but coastal markets in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have much higher rates, and homeowners in fire-prone zones (Northern California foothills, Santa Ana wind areas) are often forced into the California FAIR Plan at significantly higher costs.
Midwest — Varied by Tornado Exposure
Wisconsin ($1,200), Minnesota ($2,050), Indiana ($2,000), Illinois ($2,100), Ohio ($1,650), Iowa ($2,300), Michigan ($1,850). The Midwest splits into two tiers: upper Midwest states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan) are reasonably priced because they avoid the worst of Tornado Alley. Lower Midwest states (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana) have moderate tornado exposure and slightly higher rates. Wisconsin and Ohio have the most competitive insurance markets in the region.
How to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Rate
Rates vary 30–50% between insurers for the same home. These strategies can reduce your premium significantly regardless of your state.
1. Shop 3+ Quotes Every Year
Rates vary 30–50% between carriers. Use EverQuote or Policygenius to compare 10+ insurers in minutes. This is the single most powerful way to lower your premium.
2. Bundle Auto + Home
Bundling home and auto insurance with the same carrier typically saves 5–15% on both policies. Most major carriers (State Farm, Allstate, USAA, Nationwide) offer this discount.
3. Raise Your Deductible
Going from a $1,000 to a $2,500 deductible typically saves 10–20% on annual premiums. Only do this if you have an emergency fund that can cover the higher deductible.
4. Install Security Systems
A monitored alarm system typically saves 5–10% on premiums. Smart smoke/CO detectors, deadbolts, and water leak sensors (especially under appliances) also qualify for discounts with most carriers.
5. Update Your Roof
A roof over 15–20 years old significantly raises premiums — insurers often switch to actual cash value (depreciated) payouts for older roofs. A new roof can reduce premiums 15–25% and is often required to get coverage from preferred carriers.
6. Maintain Good Credit
In states that allow credit-based insurance scoring (most do), homeowners with credit scores above 750 pay 20–40% less than those with scores under 600 — for identical homes and coverage. Improving your credit score is a long-term strategy that pays off in multiple ways.
7. Avoid Small Claims
Filing frequent small claims (under $5,000) can trigger premium increases of 20–40% at renewal or even non-renewal. Homeowners with no claims for 3–5 years typically qualify for loyalty discounts. Pay small claims out of pocket when possible.
8. Review Coverage Limits
Don't be over-insured on dwelling coverage — insure for your home's rebuild cost (typically 80% of market value), not market value. Use a replacement cost estimator. Also review personal property limits — most homeowners carry far more coverage than the value of what they own.
Compare Homeowners Insurance Quotes
Rates vary 30–50% between carriers for the same home. Compare quotes from 10+ top-rated insurers in minutes — no obligation.
What Homeowners Insurance Actually Covers (and What It Doesn't)
| Coverage Type | What It Pays For | Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Dwelling (Structure) | Fire, wind, hail, lightning, vandalism, theft | Yes |
| Personal Property | Furniture, electronics, clothing up to policy limits | Yes |
| Liability | Injuries on your property, lawsuits against you | Yes |
| Additional Living Expenses | Hotel/rent if home is uninhabitable after covered loss | Yes |
| Other Structures | Fence, detached garage, shed | Yes |
| Flooding | Any flood damage — river, storm surge, sewer backup | No |
| Earthquake | Ground movement, landslide | No |
| Maintenance Issues | Pest infestation, mold from long-term leak, normal wear | No |
| Sewer Backup | Sewage/drain backup (unless rider added) | No |
| Home Business Equipment | Business equipment above $2,500 limit | No |
Critical gap: flooding is NOT covered. If you're in a FEMA flood zone, you need a separate flood insurance policy. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) costs $700–$1,200/year on average but can be much higher in high-risk zones. Check your property's flood zone at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average homeowners insurance cost in 2026? ▼
The national average homeowners insurance cost in 2026 is $2,300 per year ($192/month) for a $300,000 home with standard coverage. Costs range from $530/year in Hawaii (cheapest) to $5,900/year in Oklahoma (most expensive). Your specific rate depends on your home's location, age, construction type, coverage amount, deductible, and personal factors like claims history and credit score.
Which state has the cheapest homeowners insurance? ▼
Hawaii has the cheapest homeowners insurance at about $530/year ($44/month). Vermont ($900/yr), Delaware ($950/yr), New Hampshire ($1,000/yr), and Maine ($1,050/yr) also rank among the cheapest. These states share low natural disaster risk, low crime, and competitive insurance markets.
Which state has the most expensive homeowners insurance? ▼
Oklahoma has the most expensive homeowners insurance at $5,900/year ($492/month) due to extreme tornado and hail exposure. Kansas ($4,800/yr), Nebraska ($4,400/yr), Texas ($4,200/yr), and Florida ($4,000/yr) also rank among the most expensive. These states are in Tornado Alley and/or the Gulf Coast hurricane zone.
Why is homeowners insurance so expensive in Florida? ▼
Florida homeowners insurance averages $4,000/year due to hurricane risk, assignment of benefits (AOB) fraud that drove up claim costs, and several major insurers exiting the market. Legislative reforms in 2023–2024 have begun to stabilize rates, but Florida homeowners still pay significantly above the national average. Citizens Property Insurance (state-backed insurer of last resort) is used by many Florida homeowners who can't get private coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage? ▼
Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flooding — not from heavy rain, rising rivers, storm surge, or sewer backup. You need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurer. NFIP flood insurance averages $700–$1,200/year but can exceed $5,000/year in high-risk flood zones. Check your FEMA flood zone designation before assuming you don't need flood insurance.
How can I lower my homeowners insurance premium? ▼
The most effective strategies: (1) Shop 3+ quotes from different carriers — rates vary 30–50% for the same home. (2) Bundle with auto insurance for 5–15% discount. (3) Raise your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 to save 10–20%. (4) Install monitored security systems. (5) Maintain a good credit score (in states that allow credit scoring). (6) Keep your roof maintained — a roof over 20 years old significantly raises premiums. (7) Avoid filing small claims.
Data Sources & Methodology
The state average premiums in this guide represent a $300,000 dwelling / $100,000 liability policy for a 10-year-old single-family home with no recent claims. State averages are weighted means across all insurer rate filings and vary within each state by ZIP code, home age, construction type, and individual risk factors.
- → National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) — Annual homeowners insurance market share and average premium data by state
- → Insurance Information Institute (III) — State-level insurance cost trends and consumer guidance
- → State Insurance Departments — Individual state rate filings and consumer rate comparisons (CA DOI, FL OIR, TX TDI, NY DFS)
- → Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — National Flood Insurance Program premium data and flood zone mapping
- → Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — Regional construction cost and labor rate data used for rebuilding cost estimates
- → Verisk / ISO — Catastrophe modeling and natural disaster risk scores by ZIP code
Last updated: June 8, 2026. Rates are estimates and will vary based on individual home and personal factors. See our full methodology and disclaimer.