Is Sarasota, FL Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 83/100
Score 83/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Sarasota 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
For homeowners in Sarasota, the repair investment here carries a proportionally contained equity footprint.
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. Sarasota scores 83/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Sarasota:
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 Sarasota's 18 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34236 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 34242 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 34231 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 34232 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 34237 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 34239 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 34243 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 34234 | 82 | B | View report → |
| 34238 | 82 | B | View report → |
| 34240 | 82 | B | View report → |
| 34241 | 82 | B | View report → |
| 34230 | 87 | A | View report → |
| 34233 | 87 | A | View report → |
| 34235 | 87 | A | View report → |
| 34278 | 92 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Sarasota, Florida has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 83/100 across 18 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Sarasota's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (83/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0005 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 83% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 55 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Sarasota:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $600 |
| Flood Insurance | $2K |
| Pfas | $339 |
| Total (low estimate) | $2K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $2K |
| Total (high estimate) | $4K |
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 Sarasota's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 34236 | 72 | B |
| 34242 | 72 | B |
| 34231 | 77 | B |
| 34232 | 77 | B |
| 34237 | 77 | B |
| 34239 | 77 | B |
| 34243 | 77 | B |
| 34234 | 82 | B |
| 34238 | 82 | B |
| 34240 | 82 | B |
| 34241 | 82 | B |
| 34230 | 87 | A |
| 34233 | 87 | A |
| 34235 | 87 | A |
| 34278 | 92 | A |
Safety scores range from 72 (34236) to 95 (34277) — a spread of 23 points.
Sarasota vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How Sarasota's overall risk compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarasota | B | 0 | 8,700 | 353,485 |
| Odessa | B | 0 | 156 | 351,400 |
| Anna Maria | D | 0 | 1,133 | 347,800 |
| Bradenton Beach | D | 0 | 3,180 | 347,800 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Sarasota
Before purchasing a home in Sarasota, 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
- 83% of Sarasota 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
- 55% of Sarasota 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: Sarasota, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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