Is Jacksonville, FL Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 81/100
Score 81/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Jacksonville 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
Based on current Jacksonville data, remediation costs track in the moderate tier — real enough that sequencing decisions carry weight, but positioned where most homeowners can address the work through planned budgeting rather than emergency or equity-backed financing.
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. Jacksonville scores 81/100 with a "moderate" 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. Jacksonville's equity trap ratio is 1.0%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Jacksonville:
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 Jacksonville's 51 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32205 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 32207 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 32208 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 32210 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 32217 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 32218 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 32223 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 32226 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 32204 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 32209 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 32211 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 32216 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 32224 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 32225 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 32244 | 75 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Jacksonville, Florida has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 81/100 across 51 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Jacksonville's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (81/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0015 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 73% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 63 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Jacksonville:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flood Insurance | $2K |
| Pfas | $368 |
| 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 Jacksonville's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 32205 | 70 | B |
| 32207 | 70 | B |
| 32208 | 70 | B |
| 32210 | 70 | B |
| 32217 | 70 | B |
| 32218 | 70 | B |
| 32223 | 70 | B |
| 32226 | 70 | B |
| 32204 | 75 | B |
| 32209 | 75 | B |
| 32211 | 75 | B |
| 32216 | 75 | B |
| 32224 | 75 | B |
| 32225 | 75 | B |
| 32244 | 75 | B |
Safety scores range from 70 (32205) to 89 (32267) — a spread of 19 points.
Jacksonville vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Jacksonville's overall risk compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | B | 0 | 4,954 | 916,834 |
| Merritt Island | C | 0 | 795 | 887,723 |
| Rockledge | C | 0 | 179 | 830,505 |
| Bryceville | C | 0 | 14 | 826,664 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Jacksonville
Before purchasing a home in Jacksonville, Florida, 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)
Flood Risk
- Check the property's FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov
- Ask about flood history and past insurance claims
- 73% of Jacksonville 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
- 53% of Jacksonville 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: Jacksonville, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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