2.6M Miles of Pipeline — Where Incidents Cluster
Data source: ZipCheckup analysis of PHMSA pipeline incident data (2010-2024) mapped to ZIP codes
There are 2.6 million miles of natural gas pipelines running beneath American neighborhoods. The gas that heats your home, fires your stove, and fuels your water heater travels through a network that, in some cities, includes pipes installed before World War II.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) tracks every significant incident. ZipCheckup mapped their data to 42,675 ZIP codes.
The Risk Map
ZipCheckup's analysis of PHMSA incident data from 2010-2024 reveals:
| Risk Level | ZIP Codes | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Very High | 8 | Multiple incidents with fatalities |
| High | 93 | Multiple incidents, significant property damage |
| Moderate | 4,216 | At least one recorded incident nearby |
| Low | 38,358 | No incidents in record period |
The 101 ZIP codes at high or very high risk cluster around specific metro areas — not randomly distributed. Pipeline infrastructure follows population density, but incident rates don't always correlate with pipe miles. Some dense urban areas have extensive pipeline networks with few incidents (newer infrastructure). Others have fewer pipes but older materials and higher incident rates.
What the Data Shows
Three numbers from PHMSA that matter:
- Gas distribution incidents have declined 18% since 2010 due to pipeline replacement programs — but the absolute number remains above 100 per year
- Excavation damage causes 35% of distribution incidents. Every "Call 811 before you dig" sign represents a real statistical risk
- Fatalities average 15-20 per year from gas distribution incidents alone. Small numbers nationally, but catastrophic for the affected families and neighborhoods
The pipeline under your street is invisible until it isn't. Cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and New York are still replacing cast iron mains installed in the 1800s.
Cost to Homeowners
Pipeline risk creates indirect costs:
- Higher insurance premiums in areas with incident history
- Property value impact — documented incidents within 1/4 mile reduce comparable sales
- CO detector requirements — many states mandate carbon monoxide detectors near gas appliances, but compliance is uneven
- Evacuation disruption — a single major gas leak can evacuate blocks for days
ZipCheckup's pipeline risk score combines incident history, infrastructure age, and proximity data into a single metric available on every ZIP code report. The pipes won't announce themselves, but the data will.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pipeline incidents happen each year?
PHMSA reports approximately 600-700 significant pipeline incidents annually across gas distribution, gas transmission, and hazardous liquid pipelines. These include leaks, ruptures, and explosions that result in injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.
What is a gas distribution pipeline?
Gas distribution pipelines are the local networks that deliver natural gas from transmission mains to individual homes and businesses. They run under streets, sidewalks, and yards in most American neighborhoods. Aging cast iron and bare steel pipes are the highest-risk segments.
Can I find pipeline data for my ZIP code?
Yes. ZipCheckup integrates PHMSA pipeline incident data into every ZIP code report. You can see your local risk level based on historical incidents in your area, alongside water quality, lead risk, and 50+ other safety factors.
What causes pipeline incidents?
The leading causes are excavation damage (third-party digging), corrosion, material/weld failure, and natural forces. According to PHMSA data, excavation damage causes roughly 35% of gas distribution incidents — which is why calling 811 before digging is critical.