Is Totowa, NJ Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 64/100
Score 64/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Totowa has moderate-to-high risk. Several risk factors require careful evaluation.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
The remediation picture in Totowa is relatively contained - estimated safety upgrade expenses sit well within typical property investment thresholds here.
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. Totowa scores 64/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Totowa:
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 Totowa's 2 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07512 | 64 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Totowa, New Jersey has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 64/100 across 1 ZIP code. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Totowa's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 9 EPA violations across 1 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0035 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 1% 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 Totowa:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Pfas | $600 |
| Total (low estimate) | $400 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $600 |
| Total (high estimate) | $800 |
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.
Totowa vs. Nearby New Jersey Cities
How Totowa's overall risk compares to similar cities in New Jersey:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Totowa | C | 0 | 549 | 10,919 |
| Little Ferry | C | 0 | 1,752 | 10,942 |
| Atco | C | 0 | 4 | 10,946 |
| Manville | N/A | 0 | 1,787 | 10,870 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Totowa
Before purchasing a home in Totowa, New Jersey, 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)
- Totowa 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: 1% 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
- 83% of Totowa 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.
Check your specific ZIP code
City averages can hide neighborhood-level risks. Enter your ZIP for a personalized home safety score.
Check Your Home Safety Score