Is Waterloo, IA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 50/100
Score 50/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Home Safety Grade D · Updated
Waterloo has moderate-to-high risk. Several risk factors require careful evaluation.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
Relative to home values in Waterloo, the estimated upgrade outlay falls into the more financially comfortable range - not a trivial number, but a manageable planning target.
What is a home safety score?
Home Safety Score model 4.0.0 combines EPA SDWIS identity plus accepted ECHO SDWA lifecycle-based water compliance, UCMR5 PFAS, EPA radon zone, and annual AQI with complete coverage. Waterloo scores 50/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Waterloo:
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 Waterloo's 4 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50701 | 49 | D | View report → |
| 50702 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 50703 | 50 | D | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Waterloo, Iowa has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 50/100 across 3 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Waterloo's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 2 EPA violations across 3 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0023 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 75% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 54 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Waterloo:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Pfas | $600 |
| Total (low estimate) | $400 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $600 |
| Total (high estimate) | $800 |
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 Waterloo's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Waterloo vs. Nearby Iowa Cities
How Waterloo's overall risk compares to similar cities in Iowa:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterloo | D | 0 | 387 | 69,339 |
| West Des Moines | C | 0 | 416 | 69,831 |
| Ames | N/A | 0 | 205 | 71,055 |
| Council Bluffs | C | 0 | 741 | 72,339 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Waterloo
Before purchasing a home in Waterloo, 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)
- Waterloo 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
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 75% of ZIPs with NFIP claim records have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones. This does not replace an address-level FEMA map check.
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 82% of Waterloo 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)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
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