Is Laurel, MD Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 78/100
Score 78/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-07-18
Laurel has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-07-18
The remediation picture in Laurel is relatively contained - estimated safety upgrade expenses sit well within typical property investment thresholds here.
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. Laurel scores 78/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Laurel:
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 Laurel's 7 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20723 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 20707 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 20708 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 20724 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 20709 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 20725 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 20726 | 83 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Laurel, Maryland has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 78/100 across 7 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Laurel's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (78/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0011 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 71% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 197 (Unhealthy) | Elevated risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Laurel:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Pfas | $214 |
| 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 Laurel's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 20723 | 65 | C |
| 20707 | 78 | B |
| 20708 | 78 | B |
| 20724 | 78 | B |
| 20709 | 83 | B |
| 20725 | 83 | B |
| 20726 | 83 | B |
Safety scores range from 65 (20723) to 83 (20726) - a spread of 18 points.
Laurel vs. Nearby Maryland Cities
How Laurel's overall risk compares to similar cities in Maryland:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurel | B | 0 | 71 | 118,136 |
| Bowie | B | 0 | 73 | 105,843 |
| Upper Marlboro | D | 0 | 131 | 104,989 |
| Chase | D | 0 | 0 | 104,567 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Laurel
Before purchasing a home in Laurel, 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)
- Laurel is in Radon Zone 2 (Moderate 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
- 71% of Laurel is in flood zones - verify insurance requirements
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 50% of Laurel 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.
Water Quality Map: Laurel, MD
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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