Is San Bernardino, CA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 72/100
Score 72/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
San Bernardino 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
Placed in the context of San Bernardino's housing market, the expected repair budget is proportionally light — homeowners planning upgrades here can work from a position of financial comfort, well removed from the territory where safety remediation puts meaningful strain on property equity.
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. San Bernardino scores 72/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in San Bernardino:
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 San Bernardino's 18 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92404 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 92407 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 92401 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 92403 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 92406 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 92411 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 92412 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 92413 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 92414 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 92415 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 92418 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 92423 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 92424 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 92427 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 92402 | 75 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
San Bernardino, California has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 72/100 across 18 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of San Bernardino's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (72/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | Testing pending | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 33% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 157 (Unhealthy) | Elevated risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in San Bernardino:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Flood Insurance | $433 |
| Pfas | $239 |
| Total (low estimate) | $439 |
| 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 San Bernardino's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 92404 | 65 | C |
| 92407 | 70 | B |
| 92401 | 72 | B |
| 92403 | 72 | B |
| 92406 | 72 | B |
| 92411 | 72 | B |
| 92412 | 72 | B |
| 92413 | 72 | B |
| 92414 | 72 | B |
| 92415 | 72 | B |
| 92418 | 72 | B |
| 92423 | 72 | B |
| 92424 | 72 | B |
| 92427 | 72 | B |
| 92402 | 75 | B |
San Bernardino vs. Nearby California Cities
How San Bernardino's overall risk compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Bernardino | B | 0 | 152 | 365,027 |
| Hawthorne | B | 0 | 3 | 364,431 |
| La Quinta | C | 0 | 61 | 354,757 |
| Alhambra | B | 0 | 11 | 344,330 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for San Bernardino
Before purchasing a home in San Bernardino, 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)
- San Bernardino 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
- 33% of San Bernardino 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
- 73% of San Bernardino 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: San Bernardino, 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