Is Newton Center, MA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 64/100
Score 64/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Newton Center has moderate-to-high risk. Several risk factors require careful evaluation.
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. Newton Center scores 64/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Newton Center is covered by a single ZIP code, so one safety score applies citywide.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02459 | 64 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Newton Center, Massachusetts has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 64/100 across 1 ZIP code. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Newton Center's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 2 EPA violations across 1 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0013 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 0% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 33 (Good) | Low risk |
Newton Center vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities
How Newton Center's overall risk compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newton Center | C | 0 | 170 | 18,604 |
| Foxboro | C | 0 | 9 | 18,516 |
| Ashland | C | 0 | 25 | 18,694 |
| Sharon | C | 0 | 38 | 18,478 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Newton Center
Before purchasing a home in Newton Center, 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)
- Newton Center 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: 0% 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
- 87% of Newton Center 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.
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