Is Syracuse, NY Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 59/100
Score 59/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Syracuse 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 Syracuse 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. Syracuse scores 59/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Syracuse:
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 Syracuse's 28 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13206 | 56 | C | View report → |
| 13214 | 56 | C | View report → |
| 13209 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 13202 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 13203 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 13204 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 13205 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 13207 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 13208 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 13210 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 13215 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 13219 | 58 | C | View report → |
| 13211 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 13212 | 67 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Syracuse, New York has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 59/100 across 14 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Syracuse's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 27 EPA violations across 16 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0114 mg/L | Moderate risk |
| Flood Risk | 60% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 31 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Syracuse:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $442 |
| Pfas | $395 |
| Total (low estimate) | $458 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $837 |
| Total (high estimate) | $2K |
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 Syracuse's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 13206 | 56 | C |
| 13214 | 56 | C |
| 13209 | 57 | C |
| 13202 | 58 | C |
| 13203 | 58 | C |
| 13204 | 58 | C |
| 13205 | 58 | C |
| 13207 | 58 | C |
| 13208 | 58 | C |
| 13210 | 58 | C |
| 13215 | 58 | C |
| 13219 | 58 | C |
| 13211 | 65 | C |
| 13212 | 67 | C |
Syracuse vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Syracuse's overall risk compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse | C | 0 | 222 | 229,027 |
| Flushing | A | 0 | 301 | 210,833 |
| Jamaica | A | 0 | 202 | 251,525 |
| Yonkers | A | 0 | 625 | 190,107 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Syracuse
Before purchasing a home in Syracuse, 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)
- Syracuse 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: 60% 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
- 88% of Syracuse 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: Syracuse, NY
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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