Is Kansas City, MO Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 63/100
Score 63/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Kansas City 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:
Upgrade cost estimates for Kansas City show a modest home-value ratio - well within typical planning thresholds.
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. Kansas City scores 63/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Kansas City:
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 Kansas City's 75 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64157 | 54 | D | View report → |
| 64156 | 55 | C | View report → |
| 64116 | 59 | C | View report → |
| 64139 | 60 | C | View report → |
| 64147 | 60 | C | View report → |
| 64117 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 64149 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 64118 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 64119 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 64133 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 64138 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 64126 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 64136 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 64161 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 64167 | 63 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Kansas City, Missouri has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 63/100 across 44 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Kansas City's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 60 EPA violations across 50 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0024 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 43% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 63 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Kansas City:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Pfas | $500 |
| Total (low estimate) | $300 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $500 |
| Total (high estimate) | $800 |
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 Kansas City's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 64157 | 54 | D |
| 64156 | 55 | C |
| 64116 | 59 | C |
| 64139 | 60 | C |
| 64147 | 60 | C |
| 64117 | 61 | C |
| 64149 | 61 | C |
| 64118 | 62 | C |
| 64119 | 62 | C |
| 64133 | 62 | C |
| 64138 | 62 | C |
| 64126 | 63 | C |
| 64136 | 63 | C |
| 64161 | 63 | C |
| 64167 | 63 | C |
Kansas City vs. Nearby Missouri Cities
How Kansas City's overall risk compares to similar cities in Missouri:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | C | 0 | 2,048 | 602,147 |
| Saint Louis | B | 0 | 7,133 | 891,907 |
| Springfield | C | 0 | 170 | 236,423 |
| Columbia | B | 0 | 153 | 157,464 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Kansas City
Before purchasing a home in Kansas City, Missouri, 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)
- Kansas City 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
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 43% 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
- 63% of Kansas City 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: Kansas City, MO
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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