Is Cottonwood, MN Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 66/100
Score 66/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
Cottonwood 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
Relative to home values in Cottonwood, the estimated upgrade outlay falls into the more financially comfortable range — not a trivial number, but a manageable planning target.
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. Cottonwood scores 66/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Cottonwood:
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 Cottonwood's 1 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56229 | 66 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Cottonwood, Minnesota has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 66/100 across 1 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Cottonwood's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (66/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0020 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 0% in flood zones | Low risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 57 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Cottonwood:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Total (low estimate) | $800 |
| 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.
Cottonwood vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities
How Cottonwood's overall risk compares to similar cities in Minnesota:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood | C | 0 | 0 | 1,212 |
| Adrian | B | 0 | 4 | 1,211 |
| Mahnomen | C | 0 | 4 | 1,210 |
| New Richland | C | 0 | 5 | 1,201 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Cottonwood
Before purchasing a home in Cottonwood, Minnesota, 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)
- Cottonwood 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
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 75% of Cottonwood 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.
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