Is Billings, MT Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 72/100
Score 72/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
Billings 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
Remediation can sit at either end of the equity-share spectrum — in Billings, estimates fall in the accessible, lower-tier range, where safety planning is a tractable financial exercise for most homeowners.
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. Billings scores 72/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Billings:
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 Billings's 14 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59101 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 59102 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 59105 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 59106 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 59103 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 59107 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 59108 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 59111 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 59112 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 59114 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 59115 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 59116 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 59117 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 59104 | 75 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Billings, Montana has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 72/100 across 14 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Billings's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (56/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0050 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 29% in flood zones | Moderate risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 14 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Billings:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Filtration | $600 |
| Flood Insurance | $429 |
| Total (low estimate) | $1K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $2K |
| 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 Billings's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 59101 | 65 | C |
| 59102 | 70 | B |
| 59105 | 70 | B |
| 59106 | 70 | B |
| 59103 | 73 | B |
| 59107 | 73 | B |
| 59108 | 73 | B |
| 59111 | 73 | B |
| 59112 | 73 | B |
| 59114 | 73 | B |
| 59115 | 73 | B |
| 59116 | 73 | B |
| 59117 | 73 | B |
| 59104 | 75 | B |
Billings vs. Nearby Montana Cities
How Billings's overall risk compares to similar cities in Montana:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | C | 0 | 174 | 133,600 |
| Acton | D | 0 | 1 | 114,000 |
| Great Falls | C | 0 | 187 | 72,250 |
| Missoula | C | 0 | 118 | 72,009 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Billings
Before purchasing a home in Billings, Montana, 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)
- Billings 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
- 29% of Billings 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
- 50% of Billings 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: Billings, MT
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