Is Philadelphia, PA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 79/100
Score 79/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade B · Updated
Philadelphia 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:
Remediation costs in Philadelphia sit toward the more affordable end of what home safety work typically runs.
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. Philadelphia scores 79/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Philadelphia:
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 Philadelphia's 87 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19113 | 40 | D | View report → |
| 19111 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 19115 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 19116 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 19118 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 19120 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 19126 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 19128 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 19131 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 19138 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 19150 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 19151 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 19153 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 19154 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 19102 | 82 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 79/100 across 47 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Philadelphia's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 37 EPA violations across 49 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0020 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 52% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 52 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Philadelphia:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $81 |
| Pfas | $504 |
| Total (low estimate) | $345 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $585 |
| Total (high estimate) | $963 |
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 Philadelphia's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 19113 | 40 | D |
| 19111 | 72 | B |
| 19115 | 72 | B |
| 19116 | 72 | B |
| 19118 | 72 | B |
| 19120 | 72 | B |
| 19126 | 72 | B |
| 19128 | 72 | B |
| 19131 | 72 | B |
| 19138 | 72 | B |
| 19150 | 72 | B |
| 19151 | 72 | B |
| 19153 | 72 | B |
| 19154 | 81 | B |
| 19102 | 82 | B |
Safety scores range from 40 (19113) to 82 (19152) - a spread of 42 points.
Philadelphia vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Philadelphia's overall risk compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | B | 0 | 1,712 | 1,582,836 |
| Pittsburgh | D | 0 | 2,180 | 690,893 |
| Reading | D | 0 | 466 | 226,637 |
| York | D | 0 | 470 | 185,956 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Philadelphia
Before purchasing a home in Philadelphia, 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)
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: 52% 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
- 86% of Philadelphia 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: Philadelphia, PA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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