Is Tuscaloosa, AL Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 81/100
Score 81/100 · Risk: low · Home Safety Grade B · Updated
Tuscaloosa 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:
Although no safety investment is trivial, Tuscaloosa's remediation cost range is proportionally modest against home values here - a lower-tier figure within typical planning reach.
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. Tuscaloosa scores 81/100 with a "low" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Tuscaloosa:
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 Tuscaloosa's 10 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35401 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 35404 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 35405 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 35406 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 35487 | 81 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Tuscaloosa, Alabama has low overall risk under the current model. The average Home Safety Score is 81/100 across 5 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 Tuscaloosa's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 12 EPA violations across 5 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0006 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 62 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Tuscaloosa:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $360 |
| Total (low estimate) | $180 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $360 |
| Total (high estimate) | $780 |
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 Tuscaloosa's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Tuscaloosa vs. Nearby Alabama Cities
How Tuscaloosa's overall risk compares to similar cities in Alabama:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa | B | 0 | 220 | 133,062 |
| Madison | D | 0 | 48 | 90,731 |
| Dothan | N/A | 0 | 120 | 86,607 |
| Auburn | N/A | 0 | 42 | 78,172 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Tuscaloosa
Before purchasing a home in Tuscaloosa, 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)
- Tuscaloosa 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
- 43% of Tuscaloosa 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: Tuscaloosa, AL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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