Is Chico, CA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 80/100
Score 80/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade B · Updated
Chico 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:
On the scale from routine upkeep to equity-straining commitments, remediation in Chico lands firmly toward the lower end - the repair budget here is proportionally contained, which makes safety planning a tractable financial exercise rather than a significant equity consideration 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. Chico scores 80/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Chico:
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 Chico's 6 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95926 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 95973 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 95928 | 83 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Chico, California has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 80/100 across 3 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Chico's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 5 EPA violations across 4 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0002 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 67% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 52 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Chico:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $200 |
| Pfas | $600 |
| Total (low estimate) | $500 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $800 |
| 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 Chico's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Chico vs. Nearby California Cities
How Chico's overall risk compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chico | B | 0 | 206 | 117,653 |
| Perris | B | 0 | 14 | 117,489 |
| Vista | A | 0 | 50 | 117,086 |
| Antioch | N/A | 0 | 70 | 115,759 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Chico
Before purchasing a home in Chico, 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)
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
- 55% of Chico 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: Chico, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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