Is Fort Collins, CO Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 61/100
Score 61/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
Fort Collins 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
Remediation can sit at either end of the equity-share spectrum — in Fort Collins, estimates fall in the accessible, lower-tier range, where safety planning is a tractable financial exercise for most homeowners.
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. Fort Collins scores 61/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Fort Collins:
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 Fort Collins's 9 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80521 | 60 | C | View report → |
| 80524 | 60 | C | View report → |
| 80525 | 60 | C | View report → |
| 80526 | 60 | C | View report → |
| 80523 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 80527 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 80553 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 80522 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 80528 | 65 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Fort Collins, Colorado has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 61/100 across 9 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Fort Collins's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (61/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0028 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 67% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 35 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Fort Collins:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Flood Insurance | $867 |
| Pfas | $56 |
| 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 Fort Collins's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 80521 | 60 | C |
| 80524 | 60 | C |
| 80525 | 60 | C |
| 80526 | 60 | C |
| 80523 | 61 | C |
| 80527 | 61 | C |
| 80553 | 61 | C |
| 80522 | 65 | C |
| 80528 | 65 | C |
Fort Collins vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
How Fort Collins's overall risk compares to similar cities in Colorado:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins | C | 0 | 108 | 301,072 |
| Thornton | C | 0 | 1 | 232,051 |
| Westminster | C | 0 | 35 | 203,655 |
| Bellvue | D | 0 | 24 | 179,901 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Fort Collins
Before purchasing a home in Fort Collins, 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)
- Fort Collins 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
- 67% of Fort Collins 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
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: Fort Collins, CO
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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