Is Santa Barbara, CA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 63/100
Score 63/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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. Santa Barbara scores 63/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Santa Barbara:
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 Santa Barbara's 17 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93108 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 93101 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 93103 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 93105 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 93109 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 93110 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 93106 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 93107 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 93120 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 93121 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 93130 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 93140 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 93150 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 93160 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 93190 | 64 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Santa Barbara, California has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 63/100 across 17 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Santa Barbara's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (63/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0032 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 41% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 45 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Santa Barbara:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Flood Insurance | $635 |
| Pfas | $59 |
| Total (low estimate) | $1K |
| 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 Santa Barbara's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 93108 | 53 | D |
| 93101 | 58 | C |
| 93103 | 58 | C |
| 93105 | 58 | C |
| 93109 | 63 | C |
| 93110 | 63 | C |
| 93106 | 64 | C |
| 93107 | 64 | C |
| 93120 | 64 | C |
| 93121 | 64 | C |
| 93130 | 64 | C |
| 93140 | 64 | C |
| 93150 | 64 | C |
| 93160 | 64 | C |
| 93190 | 64 | C |
Santa Barbara vs. Nearby California Cities
How Santa Barbara's overall risk compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Barbara | C | 0 | 923 | 116,466 |
| Redding | A | 0 | 135 | 116,624 |
| Davis | A | 0 | 68 | 117,113 |
| Antioch | B | 0 | 70 | 115,074 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Santa Barbara
Before purchasing a home in Santa Barbara, 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)
- Santa Barbara is in Radon Zone 1 (High 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
- 41% of Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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: Santa Barbara, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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