Is East Saint Louis, IL Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 76/100
Score 76/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade B · Updated
East Saint Louis 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:
In East Saint Louis, 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?
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. East Saint Louis scores 76/100 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. East Saint Louis's equity trap ratio is 1.2%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in East Saint Louis:
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 East Saint Louis's 7 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62201 | 68 | C | View report → |
| 62203 | 68 | C | View report → |
| 62204 | 68 | C | View report → |
| 62205 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 62206 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 62207 | 83 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
East Saint Louis, Illinois has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 76/100 across 6 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of East Saint Louis's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 16 EPA violations across 6 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0035 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 1% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 67 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in East Saint Louis:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $129 |
| Pfas | $500 |
| Total (low estimate) | $364 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $629 |
| Total (high estimate) | $1K |
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 East Saint Louis's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
East Saint Louis vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How East Saint Louis's overall risk compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Saint Louis | B | 0 | 870 | 41,096 |
| Elmwood Park | B | 0 | 83 | 40,897 |
| Pekin | N/A | 0 | 97 | 40,783 |
| Danville | N/A | 0 | 60 | 40,599 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for East Saint Louis
Before purchasing a home in East Saint Louis, 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)
- East Saint Louis 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: 1% 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
- 80% of East Saint Louis 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: East Saint Louis, IL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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