Is Helena, MT Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 39/100
Score 39/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade F · Updated 2026-05-03
Helena 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
The remediation picture in Helena is relatively contained — estimated safety upgrade expenses sit well within typical property investment thresholds 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. Helena scores 39/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Helena:
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 Helena's 8 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59602 | 37 | F | View report → |
| 59620 | 37 | F | View report → |
| 59623 | 37 | F | View report → |
| 59624 | 37 | F | View report → |
| 59625 | 37 | F | View report → |
| 59626 | 37 | F | View report → |
| 59601 | 42 | D | View report → |
| 59604 | 47 | D | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Helena, Montana has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 39/100 across 8 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Helena's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade F (39/100) | Elevated risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0030 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 25% in flood zones | Moderate risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 10 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Helena:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Filtration | $600 |
| Flood Insurance | $450 |
| 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 Helena's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 59602 | 37 | F |
| 59620 | 37 | F |
| 59623 | 37 | F |
| 59624 | 37 | F |
| 59625 | 37 | F |
| 59626 | 37 | F |
| 59601 | 42 | D |
| 59604 | 47 | D |
Helena vs. Nearby Montana Cities
How Helena's overall risk compares to similar cities in Montana:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helena | F | 0 | 91 | 36,935 |
| Kalispell | C | 0 | 48 | 34,065 |
| Butte | C | 0 | 9 | 33,090 |
| Divide | D | 0 | 0 | 33,000 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Helena
Before purchasing a home in Helena, 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)
- Helena 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
- 25% of Helena 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
- 52% of Helena 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: Helena, MT
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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