Is Detroit, MI Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 91/100
Score 91/100 · Risk: low · Home Safety Grade A · Updated
Detroit has low overall risk for homebuyers. Most safety indicators are within acceptable ranges.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
Remediation can sit at either end of the equity-share spectrum - in Detroit, estimates fall in the accessible, lower-tier range, where safety planning is a tractable financial exercise for most homeowners.
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. Detroit scores 91/100 with a "low" risk level.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48211 | 87 | A | View report → |
| 48219 | 89 | A | View report → |
| 48205 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 48223 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 48224 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 48201 | 92 | A | View report → |
| 48202 | 92 | A | View report → |
| 48204 | 92 | A | View report → |
| 48206 | 92 | A | View report → |
| 48207 | 92 | A | View report → |
| 48209 | 92 | A | View report → |
| 48210 | 92 | A | View report → |
| 48213 | 92 | A | View report → |
| 48214 | 92 | A | View report → |
| 48215 | 92 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Detroit, Michigan has low overall risk under the current model. The average Home Safety Score is 91/100 across 24 ZIP codes. The model covers water compliance, PFAS screening, radon, and annual air quality; property-level conditions still require inspection.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Detroit's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 18 EPA violations across 25 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0079 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 24% 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 Detroit:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $300 |
| Total (low estimate) | $150 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $300 |
| Total (high estimate) | $600 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 48211 | 87 | A |
| 48219 | 89 | A |
| 48205 | 90 | A |
| 48223 | 90 | A |
| 48224 | 90 | A |
| 48201 | 92 | A |
| 48202 | 92 | A |
| 48204 | 92 | A |
| 48206 | 92 | A |
| 48207 | 92 | A |
| 48209 | 92 | A |
| 48210 | 92 | A |
| 48213 | 92 | A |
| 48214 | 92 | A |
| 48215 | 92 | A |
Detroit vs. Nearby Michigan Cities
How Detroit's overall risk compares to similar cities in Michigan:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | A | 0 | 545 | 600,573 |
| Grand Rapids | B | 0 | 353 | 377,980 |
| Ann Arbor | C | 0 | 68 | 168,550 |
| Kalamazoo | D | 0 | 240 | 162,837 |
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
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 24% 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
- 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)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
Water Quality Map: Detroit, MI
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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