Is Denver, CO Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 63/100
Score 63/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Denver has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
Upgrade cost estimates for Denver show a modest home-value ratio - well within typical planning thresholds.
What is a home safety score?
Home Safety Score model 4.0.0 combines EPA SDWIS identity plus accepted ECHO SDWA lifecycle-based water compliance, UCMR5 PFAS, EPA radon zone, and annual AQI with complete coverage. Denver scores 63/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Denver:
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 Denver's 69 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80260 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 80221 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 80229 | 47 | D | View report → |
| 80233 | 47 | D | View report → |
| 80234 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 80210 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 80216 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 80219 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 80223 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 80236 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 80226 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 80227 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 80228 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 80232 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 80246 | 65 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Denver, Colorado has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 63/100 across 40 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Denver's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 90 EPA violations across 42 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0033 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 24% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 46 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Denver:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $191 |
| Pfas | $273 |
| Total (low estimate) | $259 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $464 |
| Total (high estimate) | $818 |
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 Denver's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 80260 | 33 | F |
| 80221 | 45 | D |
| 80229 | 47 | D |
| 80233 | 47 | D |
| 80234 | 53 | D |
| 80210 | 63 | C |
| 80216 | 63 | C |
| 80219 | 63 | C |
| 80223 | 63 | C |
| 80236 | 63 | C |
| 80226 | 65 | C |
| 80227 | 65 | C |
| 80228 | 65 | C |
| 80232 | 65 | C |
| 80246 | 65 | C |
Safety scores range from 33 (80260) to 67 (80215) - a spread of 34 points.
Denver vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
How Denver's overall risk compares to similar cities in Colorado:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | C | 0 | 502 | 1,108,441 |
| Colorado Springs | C | 0 | 634 | 613,448 |
| Aurora | C | 0 | 109 | 463,814 |
| Littleton | C | 0 | 89 | 318,691 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Denver
Before purchasing a home in Denver, Colorado, 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)
- Denver 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
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 24% of ZIPs with NFIP claim records have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones. This does not replace an address-level FEMA map check.
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 61% of Denver 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)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
Water Quality Map: Denver, CO
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