Is Chicago, IL Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 71/100
Score 71/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade B · Updated
Chicago has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
While every safety upgrade carries a real price tag, the estimated remediation range for Chicago reflects a proportionally modest share of local home values - a baseline that leaves substantial room for financial planning and does not signal equity stress for most owners.
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. Chicago scores 71/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Chicago:
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 Chicago's 86 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60633 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 60638 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 60644 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 60629 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 60652 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 60655 | 69 | C | View report → |
| 60631 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 60656 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 60634 | 71 | B | View report → |
| 60646 | 71 | B | View report → |
| 60601 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 60602 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 60603 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 60604 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 60605 | 72 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Chicago, Illinois has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 71/100 across 56 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Chicago's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 72 EPA violations across 56 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0072 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 20% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 53 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Chicago:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $250 |
| Pfas | $83 |
| Total (low estimate) | $175 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $333 |
| Total (high estimate) | $633 |
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 Chicago's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 60633 | 58 | C |
| 60638 | 63 | C |
| 60644 | 65 | C |
| 60629 | 67 | C |
| 60652 | 67 | C |
| 60655 | 69 | C |
| 60631 | 70 | B |
| 60656 | 70 | B |
| 60634 | 71 | B |
| 60646 | 71 | B |
| 60601 | 72 | B |
| 60602 | 72 | B |
| 60603 | 72 | B |
| 60604 | 72 | B |
| 60605 | 72 | B |
Chicago vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Chicago's overall risk compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | B | 0 | 949 | 2,691,226 |
| Aurora | C | 0 | 305 | 187,044 |
| Rockford | C | 0 | 821 | 178,644 |
| Naperville | B | 0 | 227 | 167,976 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Chicago
Before purchasing a home in Chicago, Illinois, 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)
- Chicago is in Radon Zone 2 (Moderate 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: 20% 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
- 77% of Chicago 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.
Water Quality Map: Chicago, IL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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