Is Saint Cloud, MN Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 53/100
Score 53/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade D · Updated 2026-05-03
Saint Cloud has moderate-to-high risk. Several risk factors require careful evaluation.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
Proportionally, safety repair costs in Saint Cloud represent a modest share of what most homeowners carry in property equity.
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. Saint Cloud scores 53/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Saint Cloud:
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 Saint Cloud's 11 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56303 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 56301 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 56304 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 56372 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 56393 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 56395 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 56396 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 56397 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 56398 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 56399 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 56302 | 63 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Saint Cloud, Minnesota has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 53/100 across 11 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Saint Cloud's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade D (53/100) | Elevated risk |
| Lead Risk | Testing pending | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 27% in flood zones | Moderate risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 52 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Saint Cloud:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $545 |
| Flood Insurance | $327 |
| Pfas | $45 |
| Total (low estimate) | $391 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $918 |
| Total (high estimate) | $1K |
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 Saint Cloud's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 56303 | 45 | D |
| 56301 | 53 | D |
| 56304 | 53 | D |
| 56372 | 53 | D |
| 56393 | 53 | D |
| 56395 | 53 | D |
| 56396 | 53 | D |
| 56397 | 53 | D |
| 56398 | 53 | D |
| 56399 | 53 | D |
| 56302 | 63 | C |
Safety scores range from 45 (56303) to 63 (56302) — a spread of 18 points.
Saint Cloud vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities
How Saint Cloud's overall risk compares to similar cities in Minnesota:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Cloud | D | 0 | 34 | 22,189 |
| Andover | B | 0 | 10 | 21,455 |
| Willmar | B | 0 | 3 | 21,135 |
| Northfield | C | 0 | 46 | 23,275 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Saint Cloud
Before purchasing a home in Saint Cloud, 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)
- Saint Cloud 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
- 27% of Saint Cloud 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
- 60% of Saint Cloud 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: Saint Cloud, MN
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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