Is Fairbanks, AK Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 76/100
Score 76/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Fairbanks has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
Based on current cost data for Fairbanks, remediation budgets fall toward the lower tier of the equity-share scale — a figure that positions safety upgrades as a manageable planning item rather than a significant financial burden for most homeowners.
What is a home safety score?
The home safety score (0-100) combines multiple environmental risk factors into a single number: water quality grade, lead contamination levels, flood zone exposure, radon risk, and air quality. A higher score means lower overall risk. The score helps homebuyers compare neighborhoods at a glance. Fairbanks scores 76/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Fairbanks:
Cost ranges are estimates based on national averages. Actual costs vary by property. Get 3 quotes before proceeding.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Safety scores vary across Fairbanks's 10 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99701 | 68 | C | View report → |
| 99709 | 68 | C | View report → |
| 99706 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 99711 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 99775 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 99790 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 99707 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 99708 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 99710 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 99712 | 78 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Fairbanks, Alaska has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 76/100 across 10 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Fairbanks's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (80/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0024 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 60% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 46 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Fairbanks:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $900 |
| Pfas | $600 |
| Total (low estimate) | $1K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $2K |
| Total (high estimate) | $3K |
Cost ranges are estimates based on national averages and local data. Actual costs vary by property condition, contractor, and scope of work. Get 3 quotes before proceeding.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Home safety varies across Fairbanks's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 99701 | 68 | C |
| 99709 | 68 | C |
| 99706 | 77 | B |
| 99711 | 77 | B |
| 99775 | 77 | B |
| 99790 | 77 | B |
| 99707 | 78 | B |
| 99708 | 78 | B |
| 99710 | 78 | B |
| 99712 | 78 | B |
Fairbanks vs. Nearby Alaska Cities
How Fairbanks's overall risk compares to similar cities in Alaska:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks | B | 0 | 130 | 151,884 |
| Indian | D | 0 | 0 | 221,351 |
| Ester | D | 0 | 0 | 78,324 |
| Anchorage | C | 0 | 68 | 229,426 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Fairbanks
Before purchasing a home in Fairbanks, Alaska, complete these checks:
Water Quality
- Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from the water utility
- Test tap water for lead, bacteria, and nitrates ($20-$50 for DIY kit)
Radon
- Conduct a radon test ($15-$30 for short-term kit, $150-$300 for professional)
- Fairbanks is in Radon Zone 1 (High risk) — testing is strongly recommended
Flood Risk
- Check the property's FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov
- Ask about flood history and past insurance claims
- 60% of Fairbanks is in flood zones — verify insurance requirements
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 55% of Fairbanks homes built before 1986 — pipe inspection recommended
General
- Check for carbon monoxide detectors on every level
- Inspect for visible mold, water stains, or musty odors
- Verify the home's connection to a regulated public water system
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA SDWIS
- Lead: EPA Lead and Copper Rule
- Flood: FEMA NFIP
- Radon: EPA Radon Zones
- Air quality: EPA AirNow
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25077
- Remediation costs: National cost model (EPA, Census, FEMA data)
Updated daily.
Water Quality Map: Fairbanks, AK
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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