Is San Rafael, CA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 64/100
Score 64/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
San Rafael has moderate-to-high risk. Several risk factors require careful evaluation.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
Home safety upgrades in San Rafael carry a comparatively light financial footprint against local property wealth.
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 Rafael scores 64/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in San Rafael:
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 Rafael's 5 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94901 | 55 | C | View report → |
| 94903 | 55 | C | View report → |
| 94912 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 94913 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 94915 | 73 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
San Rafael, California has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 64/100 across 5 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of San Rafael's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (64/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | Testing pending | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 80% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 42 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in San Rafael:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Total (low estimate) | $900 |
| 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 Rafael's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Safety scores range from 55 (94901) to 73 (94915) — a spread of 18 points.
San Rafael vs. Nearby California Cities
How San Rafael's overall risk compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Rafael | C | 0 | 764 | 61,991 |
| Monterey Park | B | 0 | 28 | 62,183 |
| Petaluma | A | 0 | 498 | 61,570 |
| Pittsburg | B | 0 | 22 | 62,500 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for San Rafael
Before purchasing a home in San Rafael, 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)
Flood Risk
- Check the property's FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov
- Ask about flood history and past insurance claims
- 80% of San Rafael 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
- 82% of San Rafael 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 Rafael, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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