Is Bronx, NY Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 51/100
Score 51/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade D · Updated 2026-05-03
Bronx 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
Safety upgrade budgets in Bronx sit at the more accessible end of the remediation spectrum — a practical planning number rather than a significant equity concern, and one that most homeowners here can work with through routine financial preparation.
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. Bronx scores 51/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Bronx:
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 Bronx's 25 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10459 | 40 | D | View report → |
| 10465 | 40 | D | View report → |
| 10454 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 10461 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 10462 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 10463 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 10466 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 10469 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 10472 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 10475 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 10473 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 10451 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 10452 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 10453 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 10455 | 53 | D | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Bronx, New York has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 51/100 across 25 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Bronx's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade D (51/100) | Elevated risk |
| Lead Risk | Testing pending | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 92% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 53 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Bronx:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $992 |
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Total (low estimate) | $2K |
| 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 Bronx's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 10459 | 40 | D |
| 10465 | 40 | D |
| 10454 | 45 | D |
| 10461 | 45 | D |
| 10462 | 45 | D |
| 10463 | 45 | D |
| 10466 | 45 | D |
| 10469 | 45 | D |
| 10472 | 45 | D |
| 10475 | 45 | D |
| 10473 | 50 | D |
| 10451 | 53 | D |
| 10452 | 53 | D |
| 10453 | 53 | D |
| 10455 | 53 | D |
Safety scores range from 40 (10459) to 73 (10470) — a spread of 33 points.
Bronx vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Bronx's overall risk compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronx | D | 0 | 1,932 | 8,599,605 |
| Valhalla | F | 0 | 38 | 8,291,532 |
| New York | D | 0 | 1,679 | 8,271,405 |
| Long Island City | D | 0 | 89 | 8,271,285 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Bronx
Before purchasing a home in Bronx, 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)
- Bronx 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
- 92% of Bronx 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
- 84% of Bronx 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: Bronx, NY
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Check your specific ZIP code
City averages can hide neighborhood-level risks. Enter your ZIP for a personalized home safety score.
Check Your Home Safety Score