Is Ellicott City, MD Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 56/100
Score 56/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Ellicott City 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:
On the scale from routine upkeep to equity-straining commitments, remediation in Ellicott City lands firmly toward the lower end - the repair budget here is proportionally contained, which makes safety planning a tractable financial exercise rather than a significant equity consideration for most owners.
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. Ellicott City scores 56/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Ellicott City:
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 Ellicott City's 3 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21042 | 48 | D | View report → |
| 21043 | 63 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Ellicott City, Maryland has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 56/100 across 2 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Ellicott City's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 15 EPA violations across 2 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0030 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 33% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 35 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Ellicott City:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $300 |
| Pfas | $500 |
| Total (low estimate) | $450 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $800 |
| Total (high estimate) | $1K |
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.
Ellicott City vs. Nearby Maryland Cities
How Ellicott City's overall risk compares to similar cities in Maryland:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellicott City | C | 0 | 291 | 90,155 |
| Waldorf | B | 0 | 96 | 89,414 |
| Germantown | C | 0 | 16 | 88,744 |
| Bethesda | C | 0 | 133 | 86,851 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Ellicott City
Before purchasing a home in Ellicott City, Maryland, 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)
- Ellicott City 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: 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
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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