Is Highfalls, NC Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 66/100
Score 66/100 · Risk: low · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
Highfalls has low overall risk for homebuyers. Most safety indicators are within acceptable ranges.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
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. Highfalls scores 66/100 with a "low" risk level.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Safety scores vary across Highfalls's 1 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27259 | 66 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Highfalls, North Carolina has low overall risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 66/100 across 1 ZIP codes. While no area is risk-free, Highfalls performs well across water quality, lead exposure, flood risk, and environmental factors.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Highfalls's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (66/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | Testing pending | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 0% in flood zones | Low risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 62 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Highfalls vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Highfalls's overall risk compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highfalls | C | 0 | 0 | 1,579 |
| Bennett | C | 0 | 0 | 1,579 |
| Gaston | A | 0 | 6 | 1,563 |
| Stoneville | D | 0 | 0 | 1,558 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Highfalls
Before purchasing a home in Highfalls, 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
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
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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