Is Saint Paul, MN Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 62/100
Score 62/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Saint Paul 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:
For homeowners in Saint Paul, the repair investment here carries a proportionally contained equity footprint.
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. Saint Paul scores 62/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Saint Paul:
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 Paul's 42 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55110 | 44 | D | View report → |
| 55109 | 47 | D | View report → |
| 55125 | 47 | D | View report → |
| 55117 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 55101 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 55102 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 55103 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 55104 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 55105 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 55106 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 55107 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 55108 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 55113 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 55114 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 55116 | 64 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Saint Paul, Minnesota has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 62/100 across 25 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Saint Paul's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 34 EPA violations across 31 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0063 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 26% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 57 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Saint Paul:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $236 |
| Pfas | $450 |
| Total (low estimate) | $389 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $686 |
| 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 Paul's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 55110 | 44 | D |
| 55109 | 47 | D |
| 55125 | 47 | D |
| 55117 | 63 | C |
| 55101 | 64 | C |
| 55102 | 64 | C |
| 55103 | 64 | C |
| 55104 | 64 | C |
| 55105 | 64 | C |
| 55106 | 64 | C |
| 55107 | 64 | C |
| 55108 | 64 | C |
| 55113 | 64 | C |
| 55114 | 64 | C |
| 55116 | 64 | C |
Safety scores range from 44 (55110) to 67 (55124) - a spread of 23 points.
Saint Paul vs. Nearby Minnesota Cities
How Saint Paul's overall risk compares to similar cities in Minnesota:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Paul | C | 0 | 222 | 817,295 |
| Minneapolis | C | 0 | 558 | 1,131,257 |
| Rochester | C | 0 | 686 | 134,010 |
| Duluth | B | 0 | 119 | 118,632 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Saint Paul
Before purchasing a home in Saint Paul, 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 Paul 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
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 26% 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
- 65% of Saint Paul 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: Saint Paul, MN
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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