Is Santa Fe, NM Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 48/100
Score 48/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade D · Updated 2026-05-03
Santa Fe 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
Home safety upgrades in Santa Fe carry a comparatively light financial footprint against local property wealth.
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. Santa Fe scores 48/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Santa Fe:
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 Santa Fe's 11 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87502 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 87503 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 87504 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 87509 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 87592 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 87594 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 87505 | 48 | D | View report → |
| 87506 | 48 | D | View report → |
| 87501 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 87507 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 87508 | 53 | D | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Santa Fe, New Mexico has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 48/100 across 11 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Santa Fe's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade D (48/100) | Elevated risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0013 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 45% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 32 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Santa Fe:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Filtration | $600 |
| Flood Insurance | $709 |
| Pfas | $45 |
| Total (low estimate) | $2K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $3K |
| Total (high estimate) | $4K |
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 Santa Fe's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 87502 | 45 | D |
| 87503 | 45 | D |
| 87504 | 45 | D |
| 87509 | 45 | D |
| 87592 | 45 | D |
| 87594 | 45 | D |
| 87505 | 48 | D |
| 87506 | 48 | D |
| 87501 | 53 | D |
| 87507 | 53 | D |
| 87508 | 53 | D |
Santa Fe vs. Nearby New Mexico Cities
How Santa Fe's overall risk compares to similar cities in New Mexico:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe | D | 0 | 43 | 109,754 |
| Rio Rancho | C | 0 | 8 | 107,428 |
| Las Cruces | B | 0 | 115 | 130,679 |
| Roswell | B | 0 | 122 | 59,024 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Santa Fe
Before purchasing a home in Santa Fe, 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)
- Santa Fe 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
- 45% of Santa Fe 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
- 45% of Santa Fe 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: Santa Fe, NM
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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