Is Sacramento, CA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 81/100
Score 81/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
Sacramento 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 Sacramento, 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. Sacramento scores 81/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Sacramento:
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 Sacramento's 102 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95822 | 68 | C | View report → |
| 95823 | 68 | C | View report → |
| 95833 | 68 | C | View report → |
| 95815 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 95816 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 95818 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 95819 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 95820 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 95825 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 95826 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 95831 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 95834 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 95837 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 95838 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 95841 | 73 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Sacramento, California has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 81/100 across 102 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Sacramento's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (66/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | Testing pending | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 28% in flood zones | Moderate risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 60 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Sacramento:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $396 |
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $347 |
| Pfas | $158 |
| Total (low estimate) | $486 |
| 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 Sacramento's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 95822 | 68 | C |
| 95823 | 68 | C |
| 95833 | 68 | C |
| 95815 | 73 | B |
| 95816 | 73 | B |
| 95818 | 73 | B |
| 95819 | 73 | B |
| 95820 | 73 | B |
| 95825 | 73 | B |
| 95826 | 73 | B |
| 95831 | 73 | B |
| 95834 | 73 | B |
| 95837 | 73 | B |
| 95838 | 73 | B |
| 95841 | 73 | B |
Sacramento vs. Nearby California Cities
How Sacramento's overall risk compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento | C | 0 | 2,704 | 1,005,113 |
| Campbell | C | 0 | 1 | 1,039,920 |
| New Almaden | D | 0 | 0 | 1,039,920 |
| Burlingame | B | 0 | 124 | 884,344 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Sacramento
Before purchasing a home in Sacramento, 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)
- Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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
- 69% of Sacramento 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: Sacramento, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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