Is Raleigh, NC Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 62/100
Score 62/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Raleigh has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
When the remediation range in Raleigh is placed against local home-value data, the result is a lower-tier equity-share figure - a cost frame that most standard financial planning approaches can absorb without requiring extraordinary budget measures or equity-backed financing.
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. Raleigh scores 62/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Raleigh:
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 Raleigh's 44 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27603 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 27606 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 27610 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 27614 | 52 | D | View report → |
| 27616 | 56 | C | View report → |
| 27613 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 27615 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 27607 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 27604 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 27612 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 27617 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 27608 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 27609 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 27695 | 83 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Raleigh, North Carolina has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 62/100 across 14 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Raleigh's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 401 EPA violations across 17 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0030 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 74% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 52 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Raleigh:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $193 |
| Pfas | $514 |
| Total (low estimate) | $411 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $707 |
| Total (high estimate) | $1K |
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 Raleigh's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 27603 | 50 | D |
| 27606 | 50 | D |
| 27610 | 50 | D |
| 27614 | 52 | D |
| 27616 | 56 | C |
| 27613 | 62 | C |
| 27615 | 62 | C |
| 27607 | 65 | C |
| 27604 | 66 | C |
| 27612 | 66 | C |
| 27617 | 66 | C |
| 27608 | 67 | C |
| 27609 | 67 | C |
| 27695 | 83 | B |
Safety scores range from 50 (27603) to 83 (27695) - a spread of 33 points.
Raleigh vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Raleigh's overall risk compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | C | 0 | 1,304 | 560,455 |
| Greensboro | B | 0 | 567 | 332,896 |
| Durham | B | 0 | 437 | 313,633 |
| Winston Salem | B | 0 | 385 | 275,105 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Raleigh
Before purchasing a home in Raleigh, 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)
- Raleigh is in Radon Zone 2 (Moderate 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
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 74% 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
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.
Water Quality Map: Raleigh, NC
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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