Is Keene, KY Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 40/100
Score 40/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade D · Updated 2026-05-03
Keene has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
Home safety cost data for Keene settles in the mid-range — a real budget item that warrants early attention.
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. Keene scores 40/100 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. Keene's equity trap ratio is 1.1%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Keene:
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 Keene's 1 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40339 | 40 | D | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Keene, Kentucky has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 40/100 across 1 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Keene's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade D (40/100) | Elevated risk |
| Lead Risk | Testing pending | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 0% in flood zones | Low risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 65 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Keene:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Total (low estimate) | $800 |
| 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.
Keene vs. Nearby Kentucky Cities
How Keene's overall risk compares to similar cities in Kentucky:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keene | D | 0 | 0 | 299,501 |
| Lexington | C | 0 | 465 | 302,599 |
| Bowling Green | B | 0 | 114 | 167,921 |
| Hebron | D | 0 | 11 | 95,651 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Keene
Before purchasing a home in Keene, Kentucky, 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)
- Keene 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
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 88% of Keene 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.
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