Is Little Rock, AR Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 93/100
Score 93/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Little Rock 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
Safety upgrade budgets in Little Rock sit at the more accessible end of the remediation spectrum — a practical planning number rather than a significant equity concern, and one that most homeowners here can work with through routine financial preparation.
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. Little Rock scores 93/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Little Rock:
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 Little Rock's 25 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72204 | 80 | B | View report → |
| 72205 | 85 | A | View report → |
| 72206 | 85 | A | View report → |
| 72209 | 85 | A | View report → |
| 72223 | 85 | A | View report → |
| 72202 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 72203 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 72207 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 72210 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 72211 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 72212 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 72227 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 72201 | 95 | A | View report → |
| 72214 | 95 | A | View report → |
| 72215 | 95 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Little Rock, Arkansas has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 93/100 across 25 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Little Rock's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (84/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0010 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 64% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 63 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Little Rock:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Total (low estimate) | $911 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $1K |
| Total (high estimate) | $2K |
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 Little Rock's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 72204 | 80 | B |
| 72205 | 85 | A |
| 72206 | 85 | A |
| 72209 | 85 | A |
| 72223 | 85 | A |
| 72202 | 90 | A |
| 72203 | 90 | A |
| 72207 | 90 | A |
| 72210 | 90 | A |
| 72211 | 90 | A |
| 72212 | 90 | A |
| 72227 | 90 | A |
| 72201 | 95 | A |
| 72214 | 95 | A |
| 72215 | 95 | A |
Safety scores range from 80 (72204) to 99 (72295) — a spread of 19 points.
Little Rock vs. Nearby Arkansas Cities
How Little Rock's overall risk compares to similar cities in Arkansas:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | B | 0 | 997 | 380,367 |
| College Station | D | 0 | 0 | 368,455 |
| Maumelle | D | 0 | 21 | 368,455 |
| Sherwood | D | 0 | 244 | 368,455 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Little Rock
Before purchasing a home in Little Rock, Arkansas, 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)
- Little Rock 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
- 64% of Little Rock 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
- 62% of Little Rock 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: Little Rock, AR
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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