Is Des Moines, IA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 62/100
Score 62/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
Des Moines 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
In Des Moines, the safety upgrade budget occupies a moderate position — not routine, not severe, but a figure that benefits from deliberate financial preparation.
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. Des Moines scores 62/100 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. Des Moines's equity trap ratio is 1.4%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Des Moines:
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 Des Moines's 58 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50312 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 50313 | 56 | C | View report → |
| 50317 | 56 | C | View report → |
| 50309 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 50310 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 50311 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 50314 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 50315 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 50316 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 50321 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 50301 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 50302 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 50303 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 50304 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 50305 | 62 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Des Moines, Iowa has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 62/100 across 58 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Des Moines's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (62/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0014 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 19% in flood zones | Moderate risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 76 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Des Moines:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Flood Insurance | $303 |
| Total (low estimate) | $1K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $2K |
| 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 Des Moines's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 50312 | 51 | D |
| 50313 | 56 | C |
| 50317 | 56 | C |
| 50309 | 61 | C |
| 50310 | 61 | C |
| 50311 | 61 | C |
| 50314 | 61 | C |
| 50315 | 61 | C |
| 50316 | 61 | C |
| 50321 | 61 | C |
| 50301 | 62 | C |
| 50302 | 62 | C |
| 50303 | 62 | C |
| 50304 | 62 | C |
| 50305 | 62 | C |
Des Moines vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Des Moines's overall risk compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | C | 0 | 876 | 255,680 |
| Davenport | D | 0 | 1,124 | 148,758 |
| Cedar Rapids | C | 0 | 1,120 | 143,902 |
| Iowa City | D | 0 | 312 | 98,352 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Des Moines
Before purchasing a home in Des Moines, Iowa, 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)
- Des Moines 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
- 75% of Des Moines 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: Des Moines, IA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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