Home Safety in Monaca, PA: High Risk
Score 33/100 · Risk: high · Home Safety Grade F · Updated
Monaca has elevated risk. Multiple safety factors require thorough evaluation before purchasing.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
Upgrade estimates for Monaca register in the higher tier of the home-value share scale - a significant budget figure that rewards careful scoping and financial preparation.
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. Monaca scores 33/100 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. Monaca's equity trap ratio is 3.0%, which is moderate.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Monaca:
Cost ranges are estimates based on national averages. Actual costs vary by property. Get 3 quotes before proceeding.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Monaca is covered by a single ZIP code, so one safety score applies citywide.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15061 | 33 | F | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Monaca, Pennsylvania has elevated risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 33/100 across 1 ZIP code. Multiple risk factors require thorough evaluation before purchasing property.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Monaca's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 46 EPA violations across 1 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0335 mg/L | Elevated risk |
| Flood Risk | 0% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 56 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Monaca:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lead | $5K |
| Filtration | $600 |
| Pfas | $600 |
| Total (low estimate) | $4K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $6K |
| Total (high estimate) | $9K |
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.
Monaca vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Monaca's overall risk compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monaca | F | 1 | 25 | 12,523 |
| Muncy | D | 1 | 653 | 12,525 |
| North East | C | 0 | 147 | 12,508 |
| Bath | C | 0 | 22 | 12,474 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Monaca
Before purchasing a home in Monaca, 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)
- 1 ZIP code exceed EPA lead limits - test lead specifically
Radon
- Conduct a radon test ($15-$30 for short-term kit, $150-$300 for professional)
- Monaca 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: 0% 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
- 81% of Monaca 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.
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