Is Erie, PA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 74/100
Score 74/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade B · Updated
Erie has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
Placed in the context of Erie's housing market, the expected repair budget is proportionally light - homeowners planning upgrades here can work from a position of financial comfort, well removed from the territory where safety remediation puts meaningful strain on property equity.
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. Erie scores 74/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Erie:
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 Erie's 28 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16503 | 53 | D | View report → |
| 16505 | 68 | C | View report → |
| 16506 | 68 | C | View report → |
| 16509 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 16501 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 16502 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 16504 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 16507 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 16508 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 16510 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 16511 | 78 | B | View report → |
| 16563 | 78 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Erie, Pennsylvania has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 74/100 across 12 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Erie's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 73 EPA violations across 14 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0011 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 46% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 37 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Erie:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $300 |
| Total (low estimate) | $150 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $300 |
| Total (high estimate) | $600 |
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 Erie's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 16503 | 53 | D |
| 16505 | 68 | C |
| 16506 | 68 | C |
| 16509 | 77 | B |
| 16501 | 78 | B |
| 16502 | 78 | B |
| 16504 | 78 | B |
| 16507 | 78 | B |
| 16508 | 78 | B |
| 16510 | 78 | B |
| 16511 | 78 | B |
| 16563 | 78 | B |
Safety scores range from 53 (16503) to 78 (16563) - a spread of 25 points.
Erie vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Erie's overall risk compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | B | 0 | 230 | 179,893 |
| Allentown | D | 0 | 477 | 176,993 |
| Harrisburg | C | 0 | 3,117 | 183,427 |
| Lancaster | D | 0 | 578 | 174,938 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Erie
Before purchasing a home in Erie, 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)
- Erie 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
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 46% 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
- 83% of Erie 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: Erie, PA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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