Is Los Angeles, CA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 77/100
Score 77/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Los Angeles 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
Remediation can sit at either end of the equity-share spectrum — in Los Angeles, estimates fall in the accessible, lower-tier range, where safety planning is a tractable financial exercise for most homeowners.
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. Los Angeles scores 77/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Los Angeles:
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 Los Angeles's 95 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90046 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 90049 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 90077 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 90016 | 69 | C | View report → |
| 90019 | 69 | C | View report → |
| 90035 | 69 | C | View report → |
| 90047 | 69 | C | View report → |
| 90048 | 69 | C | View report → |
| 90068 | 69 | C | View report → |
| 90004 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 90005 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 90008 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 90014 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 90024 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 90025 | 74 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Los Angeles, California has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 77/100 across 95 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Los Angeles's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (77/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0039 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 54% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 82 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Los Angeles:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $764 |
| Pfas | $44 |
| Total (low estimate) | $689 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $2K |
| Total (high estimate) | $3K |
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 Los Angeles's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 90046 | 64 | C |
| 90049 | 64 | C |
| 90077 | 64 | C |
| 90016 | 69 | C |
| 90019 | 69 | C |
| 90035 | 69 | C |
| 90047 | 69 | C |
| 90048 | 69 | C |
| 90068 | 69 | C |
| 90004 | 74 | B |
| 90005 | 74 | B |
| 90008 | 74 | B |
| 90014 | 74 | B |
| 90024 | 74 | B |
| 90025 | 74 | B |
Los Angeles vs. Nearby California Cities
How Los Angeles's overall risk compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | B | 0 | 2,072 | 4,028,484 |
| Studio City | D | 0 | 159 | 3,981,169 |
| Sherman Oaks | D | 0 | 382 | 3,875,648 |
| Culver City | C | 0 | 29 | 3,875,566 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Los Angeles
Before purchasing a home in Los Angeles, 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)
- Los Angeles 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
- 54% of Los Angeles 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
- 80% of Los Angeles 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: Los Angeles, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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