Is Worcester, MA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 64/100
Score 64/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Worcester 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:
Property and cost data for Worcester places safety remediation in a proportionally modest range.
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. Worcester scores 64/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Worcester:
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 Worcester's 16 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01607 | 49 | D | View report → |
| 01603 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 01606 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 01602 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 01604 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 01605 | 67 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Worcester, Massachusetts has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 64/100 across 6 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Worcester's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 7 EPA violations across 9 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0021 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 70% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 31 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Worcester:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $50 |
| Pfas | $517 |
| Total (low estimate) | $342 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $567 |
| Total (high estimate) | $900 |
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 Worcester's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Safety scores range from 49 (01607) to 67 (01605) - a spread of 18 points.
Worcester vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities
How Worcester's overall risk compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester | C | 0 | 254 | 205,777 |
| Boston | A | 0 | 292 | 232,258 |
| Springfield | B | 0 | 21 | 144,960 |
| Cambridge | D | 0 | 82 | 118,073 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Worcester
Before purchasing a home in Worcester, 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)
- Worcester 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: 70% 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
- 82% of Worcester 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: Worcester, MA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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