Is Fresno, CA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 73/100
Score 73/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Fresno 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
When the remediation range in Fresno is placed against local home-value data, the result is a lower-tier equity-share figure — a cost frame that most standard financial planning approaches can absorb without requiring extraordinary budget measures or equity-backed financing.
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. Fresno scores 73/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Fresno:
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 Fresno's 58 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93704 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 93705 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 93710 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 93711 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 93720 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 93726 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 93728 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 93707 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 93708 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 93709 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 93712 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 93714 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 93715 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 93716 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 93717 | 73 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Fresno, California has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 73/100 across 58 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Fresno's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (73/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0050 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 28% in flood zones | Moderate risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 74 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Fresno:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $393 |
| Pfas | $197 |
| Total (low estimate) | $543 |
| 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 Fresno's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 93704 | 70 | B |
| 93705 | 70 | B |
| 93710 | 70 | B |
| 93711 | 70 | B |
| 93720 | 70 | B |
| 93726 | 70 | B |
| 93728 | 70 | B |
| 93707 | 73 | B |
| 93708 | 73 | B |
| 93709 | 73 | B |
| 93712 | 73 | B |
| 93714 | 73 | B |
| 93715 | 73 | B |
| 93716 | 73 | B |
| 93717 | 73 | B |
Fresno vs. Nearby California Cities
How Fresno's overall risk compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno | B | 0 | 151 | 615,595 |
| Aliso Viejo | B | 0 | 4 | 615,036 |
| Anaheim | B | 0 | 59 | 631,730 |
| El Cajon | C | 0 | 88 | 645,035 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Fresno
Before purchasing a home in Fresno, 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)
- Fresno 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
- 28% of Fresno 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
- 67% of Fresno 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: Fresno, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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