Is Dearborn Heights, MI Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 82/100
Score 82/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade B · Updated
Dearborn Heights 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:
Although remediation at this level is not a minor line item, Dearborn Heights homeowners working from mid-range estimates face a planning challenge rather than an acute equity barrier - the figures call for careful budgeting and scope prioritization, but fall within what most structured financial approaches can address.
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. Dearborn Heights scores 82/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
What is the equity trap ratio?
The equity trap ratio measures estimated remediation costs as a percentage of median home value. A high ratio (above 5%) means fixing environmental issues could consume a significant portion of your home equity - a potential "trap" for buyers unaware of hidden costs. Dearborn Heights's equity trap ratio is 1.5%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Dearborn Heights:
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 Dearborn Heights's 2 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48127 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 48125 | 82 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Dearborn Heights, Michigan has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 82/100 across 2 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Dearborn Heights's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 20 EPA violations across 2 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0105 mg/L | Moderate risk |
| Flood Risk | 50% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 56 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Dearborn Heights:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lead | $3K |
| Filtration | $300 |
| 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.
Dearborn Heights vs. Nearby Michigan Cities
How Dearborn Heights's overall risk compares to similar cities in Michigan:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dearborn Heights | B | 0 | 706 | 62,099 |
| Pontiac | B | 0 | 6 | 61,983 |
| Taylor | A | 1 | 53 | 62,405 |
| East Lansing | B | 0 | 56 | 62,567 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Dearborn Heights
Before purchasing a home in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, 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)
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: 50% 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
- 94% of Dearborn Heights 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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