Is Springfield, IL Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 52/100
Score 52/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade D · Updated 2026-05-03
Springfield 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
What does a mid-range remediation estimate mean for Springfield property owners? It means the safety investment is real and warrants planning — but it also means that most homeowners can address identified items through structured budgeting without reaching for equity-backed financing or emergency funding strategies.
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. Springfield scores 52/100 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. Springfield's equity trap ratio is 1.7%.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62705 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62706 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62708 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62713 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62715 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62716 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62719 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62721 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62722 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62723 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62726 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62736 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62739 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62746 | 51 | D | View report → |
| 62756 | 51 | D | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Springfield, Illinois has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 52/100 across 38 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Springfield's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade D (52/100) | Elevated risk |
| Lead Risk | Testing pending | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 21% in flood zones | Moderate 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 Springfield:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Flood Insurance | $284 |
| Pfas | $13 |
| Total (low estimate) | $997 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $1K |
| Total (high estimate) | $2K |
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:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 62705 | 51 | D |
| 62706 | 51 | D |
| 62708 | 51 | D |
| 62713 | 51 | D |
| 62715 | 51 | D |
| 62716 | 51 | D |
| 62719 | 51 | D |
| 62721 | 51 | D |
| 62722 | 51 | D |
| 62723 | 51 | D |
| 62726 | 51 | D |
| 62736 | 51 | D |
| 62739 | 51 | D |
| 62746 | 51 | D |
| 62756 | 51 | D |
Springfield vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Springfield's overall risk compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | D | 0 | 132 | 128,012 |
| Edwards | D | 0 | 19 | 137,575 |
| Mossville | D | 0 | 11 | 137,575 |
| Rome | D | 0 | 188 | 137,575 |
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
- 21% of Springfield is in flood zones — verify insurance requirements
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)
Updated daily.
Water Quality Map: Springfield, IL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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