Is Reno, NV Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 80/100
Score 80/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Reno has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
For homeowners in Reno, the repair investment here carries a proportionally contained equity footprint.
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. Reno scores 80/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Reno:
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 Reno's 24 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 89502 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 89506 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 89501 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 89503 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 89509 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 89511 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 89519 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 89521 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 89523 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 89504 | 82 | B | View report → |
| 89505 | 82 | B | View report → |
| 89507 | 82 | B | View report → |
| 89508 | 82 | B | View report → |
| 89510 | 82 | B | View report → |
| 89512 | 82 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Reno, Nevada has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 80/100 across 24 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Reno's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (80/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0010 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 58% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 53 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Reno:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $750 |
| Pfas | $325 |
| Total (low estimate) | $867 |
| 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 Reno's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 89502 | 72 | B |
| 89506 | 72 | B |
| 89501 | 77 | B |
| 89503 | 77 | B |
| 89509 | 77 | B |
| 89511 | 77 | B |
| 89519 | 77 | B |
| 89521 | 77 | B |
| 89523 | 77 | B |
| 89504 | 82 | B |
| 89505 | 82 | B |
| 89507 | 82 | B |
| 89508 | 82 | B |
| 89510 | 82 | B |
| 89512 | 82 | B |
Reno vs. Nearby Nevada Cities
How Reno's overall risk compares to similar cities in Nevada:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reno | B | 0 | 460 | 454,618 |
| Nixon | D | 0 | 0 | 442,000 |
| North Las Vegas | A | 0 | 8 | 376,515 |
| Coyote Springs | C | 0 | 0 | 345,034 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Reno
Before purchasing a home in Reno, Nevada, 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)
- Reno 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
- 58% of Reno 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 Reno 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: Reno, NV
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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