Is San Francisco, CA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 55/100
Score 55/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
San Francisco 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
On the scale from routine upkeep to equity-straining commitments, remediation in San Francisco lands firmly toward the lower end — the repair budget here is proportionally contained, which makes safety planning a tractable financial exercise rather than a significant equity consideration for most owners.
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 Francisco scores 55/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in San Francisco:
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 Francisco's 60 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94101 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94117 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94119 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94125 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94126 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94128 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94129 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94130 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94134 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94136 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94137 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94139 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94140 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94141 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 94142 | 53 | D | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
San Francisco, California has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 55/100 across 60 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of San Francisco's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (55/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0030 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 32% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 57 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in San Francisco:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Filtration | $600 |
| Flood Insurance | $552 |
| Pfas | $8 |
| Total (low estimate) | $675 |
| 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 San Francisco's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 94101 | 53 | D |
| 94117 | 53 | D |
| 94119 | 53 | D |
| 94125 | 53 | D |
| 94126 | 53 | D |
| 94128 | 53 | D |
| 94129 | 53 | D |
| 94130 | 53 | D |
| 94134 | 53 | D |
| 94136 | 53 | D |
| 94137 | 53 | D |
| 94139 | 53 | D |
| 94140 | 53 | D |
| 94141 | 53 | D |
| 94142 | 53 | D |
San Francisco vs. Nearby California Cities
How San Francisco's overall risk compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | C | 0 | 145 | 3,643 |
| Mount Shasta | A | 0 | 0 | 3,642 |
| Aptos | B | 0 | 323 | 3,686 |
| Mariposa | B | 0 | 0 | 3,695 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for San Francisco
Before purchasing a home in San Francisco, 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 Francisco 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
- 32% of San Francisco 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
- 79% of San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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