Is Somerville, MA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 68/100
Score 68/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
Somerville 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
Property and cost data for Somerville places safety remediation in a proportionally modest range.
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. Somerville scores 68/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Somerville:
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 Somerville's 3 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02145 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 02143 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 02144 | 70 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Somerville, Massachusetts has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 68/100 across 3 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Somerville's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (68/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0039 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 1% in flood zones | Low risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 42 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Somerville:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Total (low estimate) | $2K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $3K |
| Total (high estimate) | $4K |
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 Somerville's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Somerville vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities
How Somerville's overall risk compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somerville | C | 0 | 33 | 81,045 |
| Randolph | B | 0 | 32 | 80,129 |
| Sandwich | B | 0 | 95 | 79,250 |
| Brighton | D | 0 | 10 | 88,415 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Somerville
Before purchasing a home in Somerville, 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)
- Somerville 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
- 86% of Somerville 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.
Check your specific ZIP code
City averages can hide neighborhood-level risks. Enter your ZIP for a personalized home safety score.
Check Your Home Safety Score