Is Fountain, NC Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 90/100
Score 90/100 · Risk: low · Home Safety Grade A · Updated
Fountain has low overall risk for homebuyers. Most safety indicators are within acceptable ranges.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
In Fountain, the safety upgrade budget occupies a moderate position - not routine, not severe, but a figure that benefits from deliberate financial preparation.
What is a home safety score?
Home Safety Score model 4.0.0 combines EPA SDWIS identity plus accepted ECHO SDWA lifecycle-based water compliance, UCMR5 PFAS, EPA radon zone, and annual AQI with complete coverage. Fountain scores 90/100 with a "low" 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. Fountain's equity trap ratio is 1.3%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Fountain:
Cost ranges are estimates based on national averages. Actual costs vary by property. Get 3 quotes before proceeding.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Fountain is covered by a single ZIP code, so one safety score applies citywide.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27829 | 90 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Fountain, North Carolina has low overall risk under the current model. The average Home Safety Score is 90/100 across 1 ZIP code. The model covers water compliance, PFAS screening, radon, and annual air quality; property-level conditions still require inspection.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Fountain's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 20 EPA violations across 1 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0000 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 0% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 32 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Fountain:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $600 |
| Pfas | $500 |
| Total (low estimate) | $600 |
| 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.
Fountain vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Fountain's overall risk compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fountain | A | 0 | 1 | 1,525 |
| Powells Point | N/A | 0 | 27 | 1,516 |
| Hildebran | N/A | 0 | N/A | 1,512 |
| Cashiers | N/A | 0 | 4 | 1,511 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Fountain
Before purchasing a home in Fountain, North Carolina, 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
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 0% of ZIPs with NFIP claim records have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones. This does not replace an address-level FEMA map check.
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 75% of Fountain 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)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
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