Is Pittsburgh, PA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 49/100
Score 49/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Home Safety Grade D · Updated
Pittsburgh 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:
Home safety upgrades in Pittsburgh carry a comparatively light financial footprint against local property wealth.
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. Pittsburgh scores 49/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Pittsburgh:
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 Pittsburgh's 77 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15235 | 42 | D | View report → |
| 15238 | 42 | D | View report → |
| 15215 | 44 | D | View report → |
| 15205 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 15206 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 15208 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 15218 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 15221 | 45 | D | View report → |
| 15209 | 46 | D | View report → |
| 15212 | 46 | D | View report → |
| 15214 | 46 | D | View report → |
| 15201 | 47 | D | View report → |
| 15203 | 47 | D | View report → |
| 15204 | 47 | D | View report → |
| 15207 | 47 | D | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 49/100 across 36 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Pittsburgh's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 126 EPA violations across 43 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0037 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 49% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 58 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Pittsburgh:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $275 |
| Pfas | $83 |
| Total (low estimate) | $188 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $358 |
| Total (high estimate) | $708 |
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 Pittsburgh's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 15235 | 42 | D |
| 15238 | 42 | D |
| 15215 | 44 | D |
| 15205 | 45 | D |
| 15206 | 45 | D |
| 15208 | 45 | D |
| 15218 | 45 | D |
| 15221 | 45 | D |
| 15209 | 46 | D |
| 15212 | 46 | D |
| 15214 | 46 | D |
| 15201 | 47 | D |
| 15203 | 47 | D |
| 15204 | 47 | D |
| 15207 | 47 | D |
Safety scores range from 42 (15235) to 58 (15241) - a spread of 16 points.
Pittsburgh vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Pittsburgh's overall risk compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh | D | 0 | 2,180 | 690,893 |
| Reading | D | 0 | 466 | 226,637 |
| York | D | 0 | 470 | 185,956 |
| Harrisburg | C | 0 | 3,117 | 183,427 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Pittsburgh
Before purchasing a home in Pittsburgh, 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)
- Pittsburgh 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: 49% 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 Pittsburgh 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: Pittsburgh, PA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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