Is Toledo, OH Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 73/100
Score 73/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Toledo 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
Safety upgrade budgets in Toledo reach the higher range of the remediation spectrum — a genuine equity consideration where checking assistance program eligibility, breaking work into phases, and prioritizing the highest-risk items first can each reduce the overall financial burden.
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. Toledo scores 73/100 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. Toledo's equity trap ratio is 2.8%, which is moderate.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Toledo:
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 Toledo's 31 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43609 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 43611 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 43612 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 43613 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 43615 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 43623 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 43605 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 43606 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 43607 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 43614 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 43601 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 43635 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 43652 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 43654 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 43656 | 75 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Toledo, Ohio has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 73/100 across 31 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Toledo's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (73/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0070 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 48% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 84 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Toledo:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Filtration | $310 |
| Flood Insurance | $677 |
| Pfas | $500 |
| Total (low estimate) | $906 |
| 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 Toledo's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 43609 | 67 | C |
| 43611 | 67 | C |
| 43612 | 67 | C |
| 43613 | 67 | C |
| 43615 | 67 | C |
| 43623 | 67 | C |
| 43605 | 72 | B |
| 43606 | 72 | B |
| 43607 | 72 | B |
| 43614 | 72 | B |
| 43601 | 75 | B |
| 43635 | 75 | B |
| 43652 | 75 | B |
| 43654 | 75 | B |
| 43656 | 75 | B |
Toledo vs. Nearby Ohio Cities
How Toledo's overall risk compares to similar cities in Ohio:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toledo | B | 0 | 877 | 360,107 |
| Berkey | C | 0 | 2 | 360,000 |
| Harbor View | D | 0 | 0 | 360,000 |
| Holland | C | 0 | 16 | 360,000 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Toledo
Before purchasing a home in Toledo, 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)
- Toledo 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
- 48% of Toledo 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
- 87% of Toledo 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: Toledo, OH
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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