Is Allentown, PA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 46/100
Score 46/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Home Safety Grade D · Updated
Allentown 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:
When the remediation range in Allentown is placed against local home-value data, the result is a lower-tier equity-share figure - a cost frame that most standard financial planning approaches can absorb without requiring extraordinary budget measures or equity-backed financing.
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. Allentown scores 46/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Allentown:
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 Allentown's 9 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18103 | 41 | D | View report → |
| 18104 | 43 | D | View report → |
| 18102 | 46 | D | View report → |
| 18106 | 47 | D | View report → |
| 18109 | 48 | D | View report → |
| 18101 | 49 | D | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Allentown, Pennsylvania has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 46/100 across 6 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Allentown's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 31 EPA violations across 6 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0062 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 57% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 46 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Allentown:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Pfas | $500 |
| Total (low estimate) | $300 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $500 |
| Total (high estimate) | $800 |
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 Allentown's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Allentown vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Allentown's overall risk compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown | D | 0 | 477 | 176,993 |
| Lancaster | D | 0 | 578 | 174,938 |
| Erie | B | 0 | 230 | 179,893 |
| Harrisburg | C | 0 | 3,117 | 183,427 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Allentown
Before purchasing a home in Allentown, Pennsylvania, 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)
- Allentown 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: 57% 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
- 77% of Allentown 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: Allentown, PA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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