HOME SAFETY DC

Is Washington, DC Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 69/100

Score 69/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03

Washington 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

Home safety upgrades in Washington carry a comparatively light financial footprint against local property wealth.

Water Grade

ZIPs Over Lead Limit

0.09%

In Flood Zones

Zone 1

Radon (High)

AQI (Moderate)

$1,235

Est. Remediation

0.4%

Equity Trap Ratio

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. Washington scores 69/100 with a "moderate" risk level.

Remediation Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Washington:

Filtration $600

Flood Insurance $154

Pfas $482

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 Washington's 274 ZIP codes.

ZIP Code	Score	Grade
20007	62	C	View report →
20019	62	C	View report →
20001	67	C	View report →
20002	67	C	View report →
20008	67	C	View report →
20009	67	C	View report →
20010	67	C	View report →
20011	67	C	View report →
20012	67	C	View report →
20015	67	C	View report →
20016	67	C	View report →
20017	67	C	View report →
20018	67	C	View report →
20020	67	C	View report →
20013	69	C	View report →

Home Safety Overview

Washington, District of Columbia has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 69/100 across 274 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.

Safety Score Card

A composite view of Washington's key risk indicators:

Risk Factor	Value	Assessment
Water Quality	Grade C (69/100)	Moderate risk
Lead Risk	0.0010 mg/L	Low risk
Flood Risk	9% in flood zones	Low risk
Radon	Zone 1 (High)	Elevated risk
Air Quality	AQI 60 (Moderate)	Moderate risk

Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown

Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Washington:

Component	Estimated Cost
Filtration	$600
Flood Insurance	$154
Pfas	$482
Total (low estimate)	$692
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 Washington's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:

ZIP Code	Safety Score	Grade
20007	62	C
20019	62	C
20001	67	C
20002	67	C
20008	67	C
20009	67	C
20010	67	C
20011	67	C
20012	67	C
20015	67	C
20016	67	C
20017	67	C
20018	67	C
20020	67	C
20013	69	C

Washington vs. Nearby District of Columbia Cities

How Washington's overall risk compares to similar cities in District of Columbia:

City	Water Grade	Flood Claims	Population
Washington	C	503	667,325
Naval Anacost Annex	D	0	632,323
Parcel Return Service	D	0	632,323
Washington Navy Yard	D	0	632,323

Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Washington

Before purchasing a home in Washington, District of Columbia, 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)
Washington 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

Lead Paint & Pipes

For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
73% of Washington 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: Washington, DC

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.

A B C D F

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington safe to buy a home?

Washington has a moderate risk rating (score: 69/100). Some factors like water quality or flood risk may warrant attention during the buying process.

What is the home safety score for Washington?

Washington has a home safety score of 69 out of 100, combining water quality (grade C), lead risk, flood exposure, radon levels, and air quality into a single metric.

How much does remediation cost in Washington?

The estimated average remediation cost for a typical home in Washington is $1,235. This includes potential costs for water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood-proofing based on local risk factors.

What is the equity trap ratio in Washington?

The equity trap ratio in Washington is 0.4%, which measures remediation costs as a percentage of median home value. This is low — remediation costs are a small fraction of home value.

Is radon a concern in Washington?

Washington is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). This is the highest risk zone — EPA recommends testing all homes.

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