Is Rochester, NY Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 72/100
Score 72/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
Rochester has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
Home safety upgrade figures for Rochester land in the middle of the cost-to-equity ratio range — a concrete budget decision where scope prioritization, repair sequencing, and work timing all carry weight in determining what owners ultimately spend.
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. Rochester scores 72/100 with a "moderate" 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. Rochester's equity trap ratio is 1.5%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Rochester:
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 Rochester's 44 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14612 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 14623 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 14625 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 14606 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 14617 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 14618 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 14622 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 14624 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 14626 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 14602 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 14603 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 14604 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 14605 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 14607 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 14608 | 73 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Rochester, New York has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 72/100 across 44 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Rochester's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (57/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0047 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 34% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 0 (Unknown) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Rochester:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $464 |
| Total (low estimate) | $1K |
| 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 Rochester's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 14612 | 65 | C |
| 14623 | 65 | C |
| 14625 | 65 | C |
| 14606 | 70 | B |
| 14617 | 70 | B |
| 14618 | 70 | B |
| 14622 | 70 | B |
| 14624 | 70 | B |
| 14626 | 70 | B |
| 14602 | 73 | B |
| 14603 | 73 | B |
| 14604 | 73 | B |
| 14605 | 73 | B |
| 14607 | 73 | B |
| 14608 | 73 | B |
Rochester vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Rochester's overall risk compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester | C | 0 | 467 | 744,762 |
| Buffalo | C | 0 | 1,467 | 737,796 |
| Syracuse | F | 0 | 219 | 542,280 |
| East Rochester | D | 0 | 1 | 496,753 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Rochester
Before purchasing a home in Rochester, 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)
- Rochester 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
- 34% of Rochester 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
- 85% of Rochester 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: Rochester, NY
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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