Is Rochester, NY Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 79/100
Score 79/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade B · Updated
Rochester has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
Upgrade cost estimates for Rochester show a modest home-value ratio - well within typical planning thresholds.
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. Rochester scores 79/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14617 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 14622 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 14606 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 14609 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 14610 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 14612 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 14615 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 14616 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 14618 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 14620 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 14621 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 14626 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 14604 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 14605 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 14607 | 81 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Rochester, New York has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 79/100 across 23 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 Compliance | 12 EPA violations across 25 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0064 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 87% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI unavailable | No data |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Rochester:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $300 |
| Total (low estimate) | $150 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $300 |
| Total (high estimate) | $600 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 14617 | 70 | B |
| 14622 | 73 | B |
| 14606 | 78 | B |
| 14609 | 78 | B |
| 14610 | 78 | B |
| 14612 | 78 | B |
| 14615 | 78 | B |
| 14616 | 78 | B |
| 14618 | 78 | B |
| 14620 | 78 | B |
| 14621 | 78 | B |
| 14626 | 78 | B |
| 14604 | 81 | B |
| 14605 | 81 | B |
| 14607 | 81 | B |
Rochester vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Rochester's overall risk compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester | B | 0 | 475 | 476,655 |
| Staten Island | A | 0 | 19,377 | 492,734 |
| Buffalo | C | 0 | 1,471 | 586,209 |
| Jamaica | A | 0 | 202 | 251,525 |
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 2 (Moderate 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: 87% 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
- 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)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
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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