Is Detroit, MI Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 75/100
Score 75/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Detroit has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
Based on current Detroit data, estimated upgrade costs sit at the upper tier of the property-share scale — a commitment that places financial planning squarely at the center of the remediation process.
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. Detroit scores 75/100 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. Detroit's equity trap ratio is 2.1%, which is moderate.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Detroit:
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 Detroit's 46 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48215 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 48205 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 48209 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 48219 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 48221 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 48223 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 48224 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 48227 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 48228 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 48234 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 48235 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 48208 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 48216 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 48222 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 48226 | 76 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Detroit, Michigan has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 75/100 across 46 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Detroit's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (75/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0075 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 46% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 105 (USG) | Elevated risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Detroit:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $587 |
| Flood Insurance | $600 |
| Total (low estimate) | $693 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $1K |
| Total (high estimate) | $2K |
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 Detroit's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 48215 | 62 | C |
| 48205 | 72 | B |
| 48209 | 72 | B |
| 48219 | 72 | B |
| 48221 | 72 | B |
| 48223 | 72 | B |
| 48224 | 72 | B |
| 48227 | 72 | B |
| 48228 | 72 | B |
| 48234 | 72 | B |
| 48235 | 72 | B |
| 48208 | 76 | B |
| 48216 | 76 | B |
| 48222 | 76 | B |
| 48226 | 76 | B |
Detroit vs. Nearby Michigan Cities
How Detroit's overall risk compares to similar cities in Michigan:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | B | 0 | 543 | 633,218 |
| Grand Rapids | B | 0 | 344 | 315,695 |
| Ann Arbor | C | 0 | 68 | 277,712 |
| Lansing | B | 0 | 211 | 194,168 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Detroit
Before purchasing a home in Detroit, 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
- 46% of Detroit 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
- 90% of Detroit 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: Detroit, MI
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