Is Albuquerque, NM Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 38/100
Score 38/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade D · Updated 2026-05-03
Albuquerque has moderate-to-high risk. Several risk factors require careful evaluation.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
Although no safety investment is trivial, Albuquerque's remediation cost range is proportionally modest against home values here — a lower-tier figure within typical planning reach.
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. Albuquerque scores 38/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Albuquerque:
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 Albuquerque's 43 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87103 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87115 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87116 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87119 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87125 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87131 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87151 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87153 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87154 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87158 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87165 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87176 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87181 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87184 | 33 | F | View report → |
| 87185 | 33 | F | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Albuquerque, New Mexico has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 38/100 across 43 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Albuquerque's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade D (53/100) | Elevated risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0020 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 37% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 88 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Albuquerque:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Filtration | $593 |
| Flood Insurance | $560 |
| Total (low estimate) | $673 |
| 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 Albuquerque's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 87103 | 33 | F |
| 87115 | 33 | F |
| 87116 | 33 | F |
| 87119 | 33 | F |
| 87125 | 33 | F |
| 87131 | 33 | F |
| 87151 | 33 | F |
| 87153 | 33 | F |
| 87154 | 33 | F |
| 87158 | 33 | F |
| 87165 | 33 | F |
| 87176 | 33 | F |
| 87181 | 33 | F |
| 87184 | 33 | F |
| 87185 | 33 | F |
Safety scores range from 33 (87103) to 50 (87101) — a spread of 17 points.
Albuquerque vs. Nearby New Mexico Cities
How Albuquerque's overall risk compares to similar cities in New Mexico:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | D | 0 | 170 | 625,352 |
| Kirtland Afb | D | 0 | 0 | 560,326 |
| Las Cruces | B | 0 | 115 | 130,679 |
| Santa Fe | D | 0 | 43 | 109,754 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Albuquerque
Before purchasing a home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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)
- Albuquerque 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
- 37% of Albuquerque 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
- 57% of Albuquerque 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: Albuquerque, NM
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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