Is Long Beach, CA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 73/100
Score 73/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade B · Updated
Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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. Long Beach scores 73/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Long Beach:
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 Long Beach's 27 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90808 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 90806 | 71 | B | View report → |
| 90802 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 90803 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 90804 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 90805 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 90807 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 90810 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 90813 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 90814 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 90815 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 90831 | 75 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Long Beach, California has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 73/100 across 12 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Long Beach's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 7 EPA violations across 13 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0012 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 42% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 55 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Long Beach:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $150 |
| Pfas | $400 |
| Total (low estimate) | $325 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $550 |
| Total (high estimate) | $975 |
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 Long Beach's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 90808 | 58 | C |
| 90806 | 71 | B |
| 90802 | 75 | B |
| 90803 | 75 | B |
| 90804 | 75 | B |
| 90805 | 75 | B |
| 90807 | 75 | B |
| 90810 | 75 | B |
| 90813 | 75 | B |
| 90814 | 75 | B |
| 90815 | 75 | B |
| 90831 | 75 | B |
Safety scores range from 58 (90808) to 75 (90831) - a spread of 17 points.
Long Beach vs. Nearby California Cities
How Long Beach's overall risk compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | B | 0 | 370 | 468,810 |
| Riverside | B | 0 | 61 | 443,626 |
| Oakland | N/A | 0 | 264 | 425,492 |
| Stockton | B | 0 | 153 | 388,283 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Long Beach
Before purchasing a home in Long Beach, 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)
- Long Beach 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: 42% 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
- 87% of Long Beach 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: Long Beach, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Check your specific ZIP code
City averages can hide neighborhood-level risks. Enter your ZIP for a personalized home safety score.
Check Your Home Safety Score