Is Springfield, IL Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 61/100
Score 61/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Springfield 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:
Safety upgrade budgets in Springfield sit at the more accessible end of the remediation spectrum - a practical planning number rather than a significant equity concern, and one that most homeowners here can work with through routine 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. Springfield scores 61/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Springfield:
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 Springfield's 38 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62712 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 62707 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 62704 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 62711 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 62703 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 62701 | 66 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Springfield, Illinois has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 61/100 across 6 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Springfield's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 116 EPA violations across 8 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0000 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 63% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 55 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Springfield:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $300 |
| Pfas | $125 |
| Total (low estimate) | $225 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $425 |
| Total (high estimate) | $875 |
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 Springfield's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Safety scores range from 50 (62712) to 66 (62701) - a spread of 16 points.
Springfield vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Springfield's overall risk compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | C | 0 | 133 | 137,953 |
| Joliet | B | 0 | 944 | 130,147 |
| Peoria | D | 0 | 827 | 127,011 |
| Elgin | C | 0 | 165 | 123,995 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Springfield
Before purchasing a home in Springfield, 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)
- Springfield 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: 63% 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
- 66% of Springfield 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: Springfield, IL
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