Is Saint Louis, MO Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 53/100
Score 53/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade D · Updated 2026-05-03
Saint Louis 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
By local property metrics, the remediation outlay in Saint Louis lands squarely in the mid-range — worth planning for, not alarming.
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 Louis scores 53/100 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 Louis's equity trap ratio is 1.4%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Saint Louis:
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 Louis's 68 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63130 | 40 | D | View report → |
| 63114 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 63122 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 63123 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 63124 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 63125 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 63128 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 63129 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 63135 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 63136 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 63144 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 63111 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 63116 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 63119 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 63121 | 50 | D | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Saint Louis, Missouri has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 53/100 across 68 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Saint Louis's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade D (53/100) | Elevated risk |
| Lead Risk | Testing pending | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 71% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 105 (USG) | Elevated risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Saint Louis:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Flood Insurance | $982 |
| Pfas | $221 |
| Total (low estimate) | $791 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $2K |
| Total (high estimate) | $3K |
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 Louis's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 63130 | 40 | D |
| 63114 | 45 | D |
| 63122 | 45 | D |
| 63123 | 45 | D |
| 63124 | 45 | D |
| 63125 | 45 | D |
| 63128 | 45 | D |
| 63129 | 45 | D |
| 63135 | 45 | D |
| 63136 | 45 | D |
| 63144 | 45 | D |
| 63111 | 50 | D |
| 63116 | 50 | D |
| 63119 | 50 | D |
| 63121 | 50 | D |
Safety scores range from 40 (63130) to 63 (63177) — a spread of 23 points.
Saint Louis vs. Nearby Missouri Cities
How Saint Louis's overall risk compares to similar cities in Missouri:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Louis | D | 0 | 7,129 | 21,578 |
| Cook Sta | C | 0 | 4 | 20,800 |
| Saint James | C | 0 | 6 | 20,800 |
| Vichy | C | 0 | 17 | 20,800 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Saint Louis
Before purchasing a home in Saint Louis, 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 Louis 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
- 71% of Saint Louis 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
- 84% of Saint Louis 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 Louis, 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