Is Montgomery, AL Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 83/100
Score 83/100 · Risk: low · Home Safety Grade B · Updated
Montgomery has low overall risk for homebuyers. Most safety indicators are within acceptable ranges.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
What is a home safety score?
Home Safety Score model 4.0.0 combines EPA SDWIS identity plus accepted ECHO SDWA lifecycle-based water compliance, UCMR5 PFAS, EPA radon zone, and annual AQI with complete coverage. Montgomery scores 83/100 with a "low" risk level.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Safety scores vary across Montgomery's 35 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36105 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 36104 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 36106 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 36107 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 36108 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 36109 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 36110 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 36111 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 36112 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 36113 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 36116 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 36117 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 36130 | 83 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Montgomery, Alabama has low overall risk under the current model. The average Home Safety Score is 83/100 across 13 ZIP codes. The model covers water compliance, PFAS screening, radon, and annual air quality; property-level conditions still require inspection.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Montgomery's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 9 EPA violations across 15 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0000 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 67% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 55 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Home safety varies across Montgomery's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 36105 | 81 | B |
| 36104 | 83 | B |
| 36106 | 83 | B |
| 36107 | 83 | B |
| 36108 | 83 | B |
| 36109 | 83 | B |
| 36110 | 83 | B |
| 36111 | 83 | B |
| 36112 | 83 | B |
| 36113 | 83 | B |
| 36116 | 83 | B |
| 36117 | 83 | B |
| 36130 | 83 | B |
Montgomery vs. Nearby Alabama Cities
How Montgomery's overall risk compares to similar cities in Alabama:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery | B | 0 | 420 | 205,921 |
| Huntsville | D | 0 | 540 | 214,900 |
| Mobile | A | 0 | 6,906 | 266,822 |
| Tuscaloosa | B | 0 | 220 | 133,062 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Montgomery
Before purchasing a home in Montgomery, Alabama, 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)
- Montgomery is in Radon Zone 2 (Moderate 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
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 67% of ZIPs with NFIP claim records have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones. This does not replace an address-level FEMA map check.
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 70% of Montgomery 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)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
Water Quality Map: Montgomery, AL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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