Is Reno, NV Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 67/100
Score 67/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Reno 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:
For homeowners in Reno, the repair investment here carries a proportionally contained equity footprint.
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. Reno scores 67/100 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 89506 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 89508 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 89521 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 89501 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 89502 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 89503 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 89509 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 89511 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 89512 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 89519 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 89523 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 89557 | 67 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Reno, Nevada has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 67/100 across 12 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 Compliance | 26 EPA violations across 12 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0004 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 50% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 42 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Reno:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $92 |
| Pfas | $600 |
| Total (low estimate) | $446 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $692 |
| Total (high estimate) | $1K |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 89506 | 65 | C |
| 89508 | 66 | C |
| 89521 | 66 | C |
| 89501 | 67 | C |
| 89502 | 67 | C |
| 89503 | 67 | C |
| 89509 | 67 | C |
| 89511 | 67 | C |
| 89512 | 67 | C |
| 89519 | 67 | C |
| 89523 | 67 | C |
| 89557 | 67 | C |
Reno vs. Nearby Nevada Cities
How Reno's overall risk compares to similar cities in Nevada:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reno | C | 0 | 462 | 322,956 |
| Henderson | A | 0 | 59 | 336,833 |
| North Las Vegas | A | 0 | 8 | 267,181 |
| Sparks | C | 0 | 260 | 130,645 |
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
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 50% 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
- 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)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
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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