Home Safety in Dayton, OH: High Risk
Score 37/100 · Risk: high · Water Grade F · Updated 2026-05-03
Dayton has elevated risk. Multiple safety factors require thorough evaluation before purchasing.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
For Dayton property owners, the repair budget here is a meaningful slice of typical household net worth.
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. Dayton scores 37/100 with a "high" 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. Dayton's equity trap ratio is 6.3%, which is considered high.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Dayton:
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 Dayton's 49 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45400 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45401 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45408 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45410 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45412 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45413 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45416 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45418 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45422 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45423 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45427 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45433 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45435 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45437 | 32 | F | View report → |
| 45441 | 32 | F | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Dayton, Ohio has elevated risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 37/100 across 49 ZIP codes. Multiple risk factors require thorough evaluation before purchasing property.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Dayton's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade F (37/100) | Elevated risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.4700 mg/L | Elevated risk |
| Flood Risk | 45% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 71 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Dayton:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lead | $3K |
| Radon | $1K |
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $639 |
| Pfas | $292 |
| Total (low estimate) | $3K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $5K |
| Total (high estimate) | $7K |
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 Dayton's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 45400 | 32 | F |
| 45401 | 32 | F |
| 45408 | 32 | F |
| 45410 | 32 | F |
| 45412 | 32 | F |
| 45413 | 32 | F |
| 45416 | 32 | F |
| 45418 | 32 | F |
| 45422 | 32 | F |
| 45423 | 32 | F |
| 45427 | 32 | F |
| 45433 | 32 | F |
| 45435 | 32 | F |
| 45437 | 32 | F |
| 45441 | 32 | F |
Dayton vs. Nearby Ohio Cities
How Dayton's overall risk compares to similar cities in Ohio:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton | F | 49 | 285 | 150,695 |
| Ostrander | D | 0 | 4 | 150,000 |
| Hamilton | C | 0 | 118 | 159,675 |
| Alpha | D | 0 | 0 | 141,407 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Dayton
Before purchasing a home in Dayton, 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)
- 49 ZIP codes exceed EPA lead limits — test lead specifically
Radon
- Conduct a radon test ($15-$30 for short-term kit, $150-$300 for professional)
- Dayton 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
- 45% of Dayton 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
- 81% of Dayton 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: Dayton, OH
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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