Is West Palm Beach, FL Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 83/100
Score 83/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
West Palm Beach 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
Placed in the context of West Palm Beach's housing market, the expected repair budget is proportionally light — homeowners planning upgrades here can work from a position of financial comfort, well removed from the territory where safety remediation puts meaningful strain on property equity.
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. West Palm Beach scores 83/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in West Palm Beach:
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 West Palm Beach's 17 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33404 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 33401 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 33403 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 33405 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 33406 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 33407 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 33409 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 33411 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 33415 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 33417 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 33412 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 33413 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 33402 | 89 | A | View report → |
| 33416 | 89 | A | View report → |
| 33419 | 92 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
West Palm Beach, Florida has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 83/100 across 17 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of West Palm Beach's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (83/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0014 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 82% 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 West Palm Beach:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $600 |
| Flood Insurance | $988 |
| Pfas | $600 |
| Total (low estimate) | $1K |
| 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 West Palm Beach's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 33404 | 74 | B |
| 33401 | 79 | B |
| 33403 | 79 | B |
| 33405 | 79 | B |
| 33406 | 79 | B |
| 33407 | 79 | B |
| 33409 | 79 | B |
| 33411 | 79 | B |
| 33415 | 79 | B |
| 33417 | 79 | B |
| 33412 | 84 | B |
| 33413 | 84 | B |
| 33402 | 89 | A |
| 33416 | 89 | A |
| 33419 | 92 | A |
Safety scores range from 74 (33404) to 92 (33422) — a spread of 18 points.
West Palm Beach vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How West Palm Beach's overall risk compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Palm Beach | B | 0 | 1,527 | 782,548 |
| Bryceville | C | 0 | 14 | 826,664 |
| Saint Augustine | C | 0 | 6,237 | 826,664 |
| Rockledge | C | 0 | 179 | 830,505 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for West Palm Beach
Before purchasing a home in West Palm Beach, 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
- 82% of West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach 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: West Palm Beach, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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