Is Brooklyn, NY Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 60/100
Score 60/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade F · Updated 2026-05-03
Brooklyn 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
What does the remediation cost range mean here? For Brooklyn, the numbers land at the lower end — a budget commitment that most property owners in this market can address through standard financial planning without stretching into equity-depleting territory.
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. Brooklyn scores 60/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Brooklyn:
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 Brooklyn's 51 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11224 | 47 | D | View report → |
| 11235 | 47 | D | View report → |
| 11229 | 52 | D | View report → |
| 11231 | 52 | D | View report → |
| 11234 | 52 | D | View report → |
| 11236 | 52 | D | View report → |
| 11209 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 11211 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 11214 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 11215 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 11219 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 11222 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 11223 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 11228 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 11232 | 57 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Brooklyn, New York has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 60/100 across 51 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Brooklyn's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade F (33/100) | Elevated risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0061 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 73% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 55 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Brooklyn:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Filtration | $600 |
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Total (low estimate) | $2K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $3K |
| Total (high estimate) | $5K |
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 Brooklyn's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 11224 | 47 | D |
| 11235 | 47 | D |
| 11229 | 52 | D |
| 11231 | 52 | D |
| 11234 | 52 | D |
| 11236 | 52 | D |
| 11209 | 57 | C |
| 11211 | 57 | C |
| 11214 | 57 | C |
| 11215 | 57 | C |
| 11219 | 57 | C |
| 11222 | 57 | C |
| 11223 | 57 | C |
| 11228 | 57 | C |
| 11232 | 57 | C |
Safety scores range from 47 (11224) to 67 (11225) — a spread of 20 points.
Brooklyn vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Brooklyn's overall risk compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn | F | 0 | 6,278 | 875 |
| Dresden | C | 0 | 10 | 873 |
| Bullville | D | 0 | 0 | 872 |
| Burlingham | D | 0 | 0 | 872 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Brooklyn
Before purchasing a home in Brooklyn, 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)
- Brooklyn 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
- 73% of Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn 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: Brooklyn, NY
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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