Is Tucson, AZ Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 65/100
Score 65/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Tucson has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
While every safety upgrade carries a real price tag, the estimated remediation range for Tucson reflects a proportionally modest share of local home values - a baseline that leaves substantial room for financial planning and does not signal equity stress for most owners.
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. Tucson scores 65/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Tucson:
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 Tucson's 54 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85705 | 42 | D | View report → |
| 85741 | 42 | D | View report → |
| 85742 | 42 | D | View report → |
| 85743 | 52 | D | View report → |
| 85704 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 85718 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 85737 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 85745 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 85730 | 59 | C | View report → |
| 85756 | 60 | C | View report → |
| 85747 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 85706 | 68 | C | View report → |
| 85719 | 69 | C | View report → |
| 85755 | 69 | C | View report → |
| 85757 | 69 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Tucson, Arizona has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 65/100 across 31 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Tucson's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 361 EPA violations across 37 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0025 mg/L | Elevated risk |
| Flood Risk | 69% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 40 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Tucson:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lead | $124 |
| Filtration | $113 |
| Pfas | $494 |
| Total (low estimate) | $439 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $730 |
| Total (high estimate) | $1K |
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 Tucson's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 85705 | 42 | D |
| 85741 | 42 | D |
| 85742 | 42 | D |
| 85743 | 52 | D |
| 85704 | 58 | C |
| 85718 | 58 | C |
| 85737 | 58 | C |
| 85745 | 58 | C |
| 85730 | 59 | C |
| 85756 | 60 | C |
| 85747 | 66 | C |
| 85706 | 68 | C |
| 85719 | 69 | C |
| 85755 | 69 | C |
| 85757 | 69 | C |
Safety scores range from 42 (85705) to 73 (85749) - a spread of 31 points.
Tucson vs. Nearby Arizona Cities
How Tucson's overall risk compares to similar cities in Arizona:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson | C | 1 | 528 | 916,333 |
| Mesa | C | 0 | 77 | 550,266 |
| Phoenix | B | 0 | 1,280 | 1,454,993 |
| Glendale | C | 0 | 83 | 311,041 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Tucson
Before purchasing a home in Tucson, Arizona, 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)
- 1 ZIP code exceed EPA lead limits - test lead specifically
Radon
- Conduct a radon test ($15-$30 for short-term kit, $150-$300 for professional)
- Tucson 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: 69% 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
- 49% of Tucson 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: Tucson, AZ
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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