Home Safety in Albany, NY: High Risk
Score 21/100 · Risk: high · Water Grade F · Updated 2026-05-03
Albany has elevated risk. Multiple safety factors require thorough evaluation before purchasing.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
For Albany property owners, the repair budget here is a meaningful slice of typical household net worth.
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. Albany scores 21/100 with a "high" risk level.
What is the equity trap ratio?
The equity trap ratio measures estimated remediation costs as a percentage of median home value. A high ratio (above 5%) means fixing environmental issues could consume a significant portion of your home equity — a potential "trap" for buyers unaware of hidden costs. Albany's equity trap ratio is 3.4%, which is moderate.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Albany:
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 Albany's 50 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12201 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12206 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12214 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12220 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12222 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12223 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12224 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12225 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12226 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12227 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12228 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12229 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12230 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12231 | 19 | F | View report → |
| 12232 | 19 | F | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Albany, New York has elevated risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 21/100 across 50 ZIP codes. Multiple risk factors require thorough evaluation before purchasing property.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Albany's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade F (21/100) | Elevated risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0160 mg/L | Elevated risk |
| Flood Risk | 18% in flood zones | Moderate risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 44 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Albany:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lead | $1K |
| Radon | $1K |
| Flood Insurance | $240 |
| Pfas | $12 |
| Total (low estimate) | $2K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $3K |
| 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 Albany's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 12201 | 19 | F |
| 12206 | 19 | F |
| 12214 | 19 | F |
| 12220 | 19 | F |
| 12222 | 19 | F |
| 12223 | 19 | F |
| 12224 | 19 | F |
| 12225 | 19 | F |
| 12226 | 19 | F |
| 12227 | 19 | F |
| 12228 | 19 | F |
| 12229 | 19 | F |
| 12230 | 19 | F |
| 12231 | 19 | F |
| 12232 | 19 | F |
Albany vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Albany's overall risk compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | F | 50 | 98 | 109,867 |
| East Meadow | A | 0 | 70 | 112,000 |
| Bellerose | B | 0 | 6 | 120,000 |
| Glen Oaks | B | 0 | 8 | 120,000 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Albany
Before purchasing a home in Albany, New York, 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)
- 50 ZIP codes exceed EPA lead limits — test lead specifically
Radon
- Conduct a radon test ($15-$30 for short-term kit, $150-$300 for professional)
- Albany 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
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 82% of Albany 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: Albany, NY
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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