Is Brookhaven, MS Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 92/100
Score 92/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade A · Updated 2026-05-03
Brookhaven has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
Based on current Brookhaven data, remediation costs track in the moderate tier — real enough that sequencing decisions carry weight, but positioned where most homeowners can address the work through planned budgeting rather than emergency or equity-backed financing.
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. Brookhaven scores 92/100 with a "moderate" 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. Brookhaven's equity trap ratio is 1.7%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Brookhaven:
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 Brookhaven's 3 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39601 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 39602 | 94 | A | View report → |
| 39603 | 98 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Brookhaven, Mississippi has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 92/100 across 3 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Brookhaven's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade A (92/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0027 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 67% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 0 (Unknown) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Brookhaven:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $800 |
| Pfas | $167 |
| Total (low estimate) | $783 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $1K |
| Total (high estimate) | $2K |
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 Brookhaven's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Brookhaven vs. Nearby Mississippi Cities
How Brookhaven's overall risk compares to similar cities in Mississippi:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookhaven | A | 0 | 62 | 24,033 |
| Grenada | B | 0 | 315 | 23,934 |
| Steens | C | 0 | 29 | 23,616 |
| Philadelphia | B | 0 | 9 | 23,321 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Brookhaven
Before purchasing a home in Brookhaven, Mississippi, 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)
Flood Risk
- Check the property's FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov
- Ask about flood history and past insurance claims
- 67% of Brookhaven 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
- 56% of Brookhaven 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.
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