Is Albuquerque, NM Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 56/100
Score 56/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Albuquerque 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:
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?
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. Albuquerque scores 56/100 with a "moderate" 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87121 | 42 | D | View report → |
| 87122 | 52 | D | View report → |
| 87102 | 54 | D | View report → |
| 87106 | 54 | D | View report → |
| 87114 | 56 | C | View report → |
| 87111 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 87113 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 87104 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 87105 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 87107 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 87108 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 87109 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 87110 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 87112 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 87116 | 58 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Albuquerque, New Mexico has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 56/100 across 17 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Albuquerque's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 135 EPA violations across 18 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0018 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 69% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 46 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Albuquerque:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $386 |
| Total (low estimate) | $193 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $386 |
| Total (high estimate) | $857 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 87121 | 42 | D |
| 87122 | 52 | D |
| 87102 | 54 | D |
| 87106 | 54 | D |
| 87114 | 56 | C |
| 87111 | 57 | C |
| 87113 | 57 | C |
| 87104 | 58 | C |
| 87105 | 58 | C |
| 87107 | 58 | C |
| 87108 | 58 | C |
| 87109 | 58 | C |
| 87110 | 58 | C |
| 87112 | 58 | C |
| 87116 | 58 | C |
Safety scores range from 42 (87121) to 58 (87123) - a spread of 16 points.
Albuquerque vs. Nearby New Mexico Cities
How Albuquerque's overall risk compares to similar cities in New Mexico:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | C | 0 | 170 | 652,362 |
| Las Cruces | N/A | 0 | 116 | 157,191 |
| Santa Fe | C | 0 | 43 | 133,507 |
| Rio Rancho | B | 0 | 8 | 108,378 |
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 1 (High 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: 69% 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
- 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)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
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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