Is Wilmington, NC Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 86/100
Score 86/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade A · Updated 2026-07-18
Wilmington has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-07-18
Based on current cost data for Wilmington, remediation budgets fall toward the lower tier of the equity-share scale - a figure that positions safety upgrades as a manageable planning item rather than a significant financial burden 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. Wilmington scores 86/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Wilmington:
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 Wilmington's 12 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28409 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 28411 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 28403 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 28405 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 28412 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 28401 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 28402 | 88 | A | View report → |
| 28404 | 93 | A | View report → |
| 28406 | 93 | A | View report → |
| 28407 | 97 | A | View report → |
| 28408 | 97 | A | View report → |
| 28410 | 97 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Wilmington, North Carolina has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 86/100 across 12 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Wilmington's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade A (86/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0030 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 75% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 60 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Wilmington:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Pfas | $258 |
| Total (low estimate) | $1K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $2K |
| Total (high estimate) | $3K |
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 Wilmington's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 28409 | 73 | B |
| 28411 | 73 | B |
| 28403 | 78 | B |
| 28405 | 78 | B |
| 28412 | 78 | B |
| 28401 | 83 | B |
| 28402 | 88 | A |
| 28404 | 93 | A |
| 28406 | 93 | A |
| 28407 | 97 | A |
| 28408 | 97 | A |
| 28410 | 97 | A |
Safety scores range from 73 (28409) to 97 (28410) - a spread of 24 points.
Wilmington vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Wilmington's overall risk compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | A | 0 | 3,641 | 212,039 |
| Fayetteville | A | 0 | 727 | 245,182 |
| Cary | C | 0 | 197 | 167,694 |
| Skyland | D | 0 | 2 | 157,431 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Wilmington
Before purchasing a home in Wilmington, 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
- 75% of Wilmington 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
- 41% of Wilmington 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: Wilmington, NC
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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