Is Bakersfield, CA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 55/100
Score 55/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Bakersfield 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:
For homeowners in Bakersfield, the repair investment here carries a proportionally contained equity footprint.
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. Bakersfield scores 55/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Bakersfield:
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 Bakersfield's 24 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93307 | 42 | D | View report → |
| 93308 | 48 | D | View report → |
| 93306 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 93301 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 93304 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 93305 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 93309 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 93311 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 93312 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 93313 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 93314 | 58 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Bakersfield, California has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 55/100 across 11 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Bakersfield's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 52 EPA violations across 11 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0034 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 27% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 59 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Bakersfield:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $273 |
| Pfas | $591 |
| Total (low estimate) | $527 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $864 |
| 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 Bakersfield's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 93307 | 42 | D |
| 93308 | 48 | D |
| 93306 | 53 | D |
| 93301 | 58 | C |
| 93304 | 58 | C |
| 93305 | 58 | C |
| 93309 | 58 | C |
| 93311 | 58 | C |
| 93312 | 58 | C |
| 93313 | 58 | C |
| 93314 | 58 | C |
Safety scores range from 42 (93307) to 58 (93314) - a spread of 16 points.
Bakersfield vs. Nearby California Cities
How Bakersfield's overall risk compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield | C | 0 | 64 | 589,959 |
| Fresno | C | 0 | 151 | 620,656 |
| Long Beach | B | 0 | 370 | 468,810 |
| Riverside | B | 0 | 61 | 443,626 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Bakersfield
Before purchasing a home in Bakersfield, California, 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)
- Bakersfield 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: 27% 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
- 53% of Bakersfield 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: Bakersfield, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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