Is Wilmington, DE Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 80/100
Score 80/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Wilmington 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 Wilmington carry a comparatively light financial footprint against local property wealth.
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. Wilmington scores 80/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Wilmington:
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 Wilmington's 26 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19804 | 68 | C | View report → |
| 19801 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 19802 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 19803 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 19805 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 19808 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 19810 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 19806 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 19809 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 19850 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 19880 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 19884 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 19885 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 19886 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 19887 | 83 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Wilmington, Delaware has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 80/100 across 26 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Wilmington's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (80/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0022 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 46% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 53 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Wilmington:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Flood Insurance | $746 |
| Pfas | $346 |
| Total (low estimate) | $738 |
| 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 Wilmington's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 19804 | 68 | C |
| 19801 | 73 | B |
| 19802 | 73 | B |
| 19803 | 73 | B |
| 19805 | 73 | B |
| 19808 | 73 | B |
| 19810 | 73 | B |
| 19806 | 78 | B |
| 19809 | 78 | B |
| 19850 | 83 | B |
| 19880 | 83 | B |
| 19884 | 83 | B |
| 19885 | 83 | B |
| 19886 | 83 | B |
| 19887 | 83 | B |
Safety scores range from 68 (19804) to 90 (19807) — a spread of 22 points.
Wilmington vs. Nearby Delaware Cities
How Wilmington's overall risk compares to similar cities in Delaware:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | B | 0 | 904 | 208,471 |
| Dover | A | 0 | 100 | 202,583 |
| Newark | B | 0 | 295 | 305,797 |
| Claymont | C | 0 | 12 | 107,976 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Wilmington
Before purchasing a home in Wilmington, Delaware, 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)
- Wilmington is in Radon Zone 2 (Moderate 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
- 46% of Wilmington 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
- 83% of Wilmington 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: Wilmington, DE
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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