Is Saint Joseph, MO Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 44/100
Score 44/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade D · Updated 2026-05-03
Saint Joseph 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
Safety upgrade costs in Saint Joseph occupy a mid-range position in the repair budget hierarchy — a commitment substantial enough that advance planning matters, and one where timing decisions and phased repair scheduling can meaningfully affect what the total scope looks like for a typical household here.
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 Joseph scores 44/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
What is the equity trap ratio?
The equity trap ratio measures estimated remediation costs as a percentage of median home value. A high ratio (above 5%) means fixing environmental issues could consume a significant portion of your home equity — a potential "trap" for buyers unaware of hidden costs. Saint Joseph's equity trap ratio is 2.0%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Saint Joseph:
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 Joseph's 8 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64504 | 40 | D | View report → |
| 64505 | 40 | D | View report → |
| 64508 | 40 | D | View report → |
| 64501 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 64503 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 64506 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 64507 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 64502 | 53 | D | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Saint Joseph, Missouri has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 44/100 across 8 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Saint Joseph's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade D (44/100) | Elevated risk |
| Lead Risk | Testing pending | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 88% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 74 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Saint Joseph:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Total (low estimate) | $2K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $3K |
| Total (high estimate) | $4K |
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 Joseph's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 64504 | 40 | D |
| 64505 | 40 | D |
| 64508 | 40 | D |
| 64501 | 45 | D |
| 64503 | 45 | D |
| 64506 | 45 | D |
| 64507 | 45 | D |
| 64502 | 53 | D |
Saint Joseph vs. Nearby Missouri Cities
How Saint Joseph's overall risk compares to similar cities in Missouri:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph | D | 0 | 291 | 9,872 |
| Holts Summit | B | 0 | 21 | 9,940 |
| Brookfield | B | 0 | 21 | 10,074 |
| Park Hills | C | 0 | 27 | 9,602 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Saint Joseph
Before purchasing a home in Saint Joseph, 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)
- Saint Joseph 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
- 88% of Saint Joseph 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
- 79% of Saint Joseph 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 Joseph, MO
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Check your specific ZIP code
City averages can hide neighborhood-level risks. Enter your ZIP for a personalized home safety score.
Check Your Home Safety Score