Is Pueblo, CO Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 67/100
Score 67/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
Pueblo 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
Estimates for Pueblo show a mid-range cost-to-property-value ratio — a genuine financial planning input.
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. Pueblo scores 67/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
What is the equity trap ratio?
The equity trap ratio measures estimated remediation costs as a percentage of median home value. A high ratio (above 5%) means fixing environmental issues could consume a significant portion of your home equity — a potential "trap" for buyers unaware of hidden costs. Pueblo's equity trap ratio is 1.0%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Pueblo:
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 Pueblo's 12 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81001 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 81003 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 81006 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 81002 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 81009 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 81010 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 81011 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 81012 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 81004 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 81005 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 81007 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 81008 | 70 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Pueblo, Colorado has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 67/100 across 12 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Pueblo's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (67/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0023 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 58% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 61 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Pueblo:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Flood Insurance | $750 |
| 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 Pueblo's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 81001 | 65 | C |
| 81003 | 65 | C |
| 81006 | 65 | C |
| 81002 | 66 | C |
| 81009 | 66 | C |
| 81010 | 66 | C |
| 81011 | 66 | C |
| 81012 | 66 | C |
| 81004 | 70 | B |
| 81005 | 70 | B |
| 81007 | 70 | B |
| 81008 | 70 | B |
Pueblo vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
How Pueblo's overall risk compares to similar cities in Colorado:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pueblo | C | 0 | 83 | 126,381 |
| Grand Junction | C | 0 | 42 | 117,739 |
| Castle Rock | C | 0 | 12 | 114,795 |
| Avondale | D | 0 | 4 | 114,070 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Pueblo
Before purchasing a home in Pueblo, 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)
- Pueblo 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
- 58% of Pueblo 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
- 64% of Pueblo 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: Pueblo, CO
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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