Is Salem, MA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 67/100
Score 67/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Salem 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:
For homeowners in Salem, the repair investment here carries a proportionally contained equity footprint.
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. Salem scores 67/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Salem:
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 Salem's 2 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01970 | 67 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Salem, Massachusetts has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 67/100 across 1 ZIP code. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Salem's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 0 EPA violations across 1 direct ZIP records | No violations in available records |
| Lead Risk | Testing pending | No data |
| Flood Risk | 1% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 32 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Salem:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Pfas | $500 |
| Total (low estimate) | $300 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $500 |
| Total (high estimate) | $800 |
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.
Salem vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities
How Salem's overall risk compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | C | N/A | 182 | 44,115 |
| Brighton | A | 0 | 10 | 43,683 |
| Leominster | D | 0 | 61 | 43,635 |
| Pittsfield | B | 0 | 124 | 45,072 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Salem
Before purchasing a home in Salem, 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)
- Salem 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: 1% 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
- 83% of Salem 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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