Is Fall River, MA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 83/100
Score 83/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade B · Updated
Fall River 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:
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. Fall River scores 83/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Safety scores vary across Fall River's 5 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02720 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 02721 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 02723 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 02724 | 83 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Fall River, Massachusetts has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 83/100 across 4 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Fall River's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 30 EPA violations across 4 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0120 mg/L | Moderate risk |
| Flood Risk | 33% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 39 (Good) | Low risk |
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Home safety varies across Fall River's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Fall River vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities
How Fall River's overall risk compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall River | B | 0 | 24 | 92,854 |
| Lawrence | C | 0 | 332 | 88,297 |
| New Bedford | B | 0 | 80 | 100,689 |
| West Hyannisport | N/A | 0 | 7 | 85,000 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Fall River
Before purchasing a home in Fall River, Massachusetts, 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)
- Fall River 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: 33% 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
- 86% of Fall River 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: Fall River, MA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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