Is Cleveland, OH Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 79/100
Score 79/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Cleveland 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
Neither at the low end nor pushing into critical equity territory, the remediation range in Cleveland occupies a moderate position — a realistic planning figure that warrants attention without signaling financial alarm.
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. Cleveland scores 79/100 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. Cleveland's equity trap ratio is 1.6%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Cleveland:
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 Cleveland's 41 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44125 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 44130 | 71 | B | View report → |
| 44105 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 44109 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 44118 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 44119 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 44120 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 44121 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 44124 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 44128 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 44134 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 44143 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 44144 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 44101 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 44102 | 81 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Cleveland, Ohio has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 79/100 across 41 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Cleveland's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (79/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0017 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 68% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 89 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Cleveland:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Flood Insurance | $924 |
| Pfas | $12 |
| Total (low estimate) | $627 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $1K |
| 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 Cleveland's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 44125 | 66 | C |
| 44130 | 71 | B |
| 44105 | 76 | B |
| 44109 | 76 | B |
| 44118 | 76 | B |
| 44119 | 76 | B |
| 44120 | 76 | B |
| 44121 | 76 | B |
| 44124 | 76 | B |
| 44128 | 76 | B |
| 44134 | 76 | B |
| 44143 | 76 | B |
| 44144 | 76 | B |
| 44101 | 81 | B |
| 44102 | 81 | B |
Cleveland vs. Nearby Ohio Cities
How Cleveland's overall risk compares to similar cities in Ohio:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | B | 0 | 804 | 1,308,955 |
| Beachwood | D | 0 | 89 | 1,308,955 |
| Brookpark | C | 0 | 2 | 1,308,955 |
| Euclid | C | 0 | 17 | 1,308,955 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Cleveland
Before purchasing a home in Cleveland, Ohio, 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)
- Cleveland 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
- 68% of Cleveland 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
- 88% of Cleveland 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: Cleveland, OH
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