Is Albany, NY Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 66/100
Score 66/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Albany has moderate-to-high risk. Several risk factors require careful evaluation.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
On the scale from routine upkeep to equity-straining commitments, remediation in Albany lands firmly toward the lower end - the repair budget here is proportionally contained, which makes safety planning a tractable financial exercise rather than a significant equity consideration for most owners.
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. Albany scores 66/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12203 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 12204 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 12202 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 12206 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 12207 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 12208 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 12209 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 12210 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 12211 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 12226 | 66 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Albany, New York has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 66/100 across 10 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Albany's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 14 EPA violations across 12 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0130 mg/L | Moderate risk |
| Flood Risk | 44% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 27 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Albany:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $300 |
| Pfas | $125 |
| Total (low estimate) | $225 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $425 |
| Total (high estimate) | $875 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 12203 | 63 | C |
| 12204 | 65 | C |
| 12202 | 66 | C |
| 12206 | 66 | C |
| 12207 | 66 | C |
| 12208 | 66 | C |
| 12209 | 66 | C |
| 12210 | 66 | C |
| 12211 | 66 | C |
| 12226 | 66 | C |
Albany vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Albany's overall risk compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | C | 0 | 99 | 155,313 |
| Astoria | A | 0 | 98 | 142,870 |
| Schenectady | C | 0 | 307 | 169,777 |
| Yonkers | A | 0 | 625 | 190,107 |
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)
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
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 44% 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
- 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)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
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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