Is Ricketts, IA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 53/100
Score 53/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade D · Updated 2026-05-03
Ricketts has moderate-to-high risk. Several risk factors require careful evaluation.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
In Ricketts, safety upgrade costs register as a significant equity commitment — high enough that approaching the work without a concrete financial plan is inadvisable.
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. Ricketts scores 53/100 with a "moderate-high" 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. Ricketts's equity trap ratio is 5.8%, which is considered high.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Ricketts:
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 Ricketts's 1 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51460 | 53 | D | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Ricketts, Iowa has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 53/100 across 1 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Ricketts's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade D (53/100) | Elevated risk |
| Lead Risk | Testing pending | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 1% in flood zones | Low risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 74 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Ricketts:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Flood Insurance | $2K |
| Total (low estimate) | $2K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $3K |
| 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.
Ricketts vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Ricketts's overall risk compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricketts | D | 0 | 1 | 522 |
| Charter Oak | C | 0 | 0 | 522 |
| Arcadia | C | 0 | 0 | 525 |
| Peru | D | 0 | 0 | 525 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Ricketts
Before purchasing a home in Ricketts, 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)
- Ricketts 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
- 100% of Ricketts 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.
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