Is Wilkes Barre, PA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 65/100
Score 65/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
Wilkes Barre has moderate-to-high risk. Several risk factors require careful evaluation.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
Home safety cost data for Wilkes Barre settles in the mid-range — a real budget item that warrants early attention.
What is a home safety score?
The home safety score (0-100) combines multiple environmental risk factors into a single number: water quality grade, lead contamination levels, flood zone exposure, radon risk, and air quality. A higher score means lower overall risk. The score helps homebuyers compare neighborhoods at a glance. Wilkes Barre scores 65/100 with a "moderate-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. Wilkes Barre's equity trap ratio is 1.9%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Wilkes Barre:
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 Wilkes Barre's 14 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18702 | 55 | C | View report → |
| 18705 | 60 | C | View report → |
| 18706 | 60 | C | View report → |
| 18701 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 18703 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 18762 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 18765 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 18766 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 18767 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 18769 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 18773 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 18710 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 18711 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 18764 | 70 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 65/100 across 14 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Wilkes Barre's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (65/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0010 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 57% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 54 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Wilkes Barre:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Flood Insurance | $857 |
| Pfas | $43 |
| Total (low estimate) | $1K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $2K |
| Total (high estimate) | $3K |
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 Wilkes Barre's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18702 | 55 | C |
| 18705 | 60 | C |
| 18706 | 60 | C |
| 18701 | 65 | C |
| 18703 | 65 | C |
| 18762 | 66 | C |
| 18765 | 66 | C |
| 18766 | 66 | C |
| 18767 | 66 | C |
| 18769 | 66 | C |
| 18773 | 66 | C |
| 18710 | 70 | B |
| 18711 | 70 | B |
| 18764 | 70 | B |
Wilkes Barre vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Wilkes Barre's overall risk compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkes Barre | C | 0 | 1,061 | 157,399 |
| Reading | C | 0 | 466 | 168,308 |
| Bovard | D | 0 | 1 | 143,000 |
| Claridge | D | 0 | 5 | 143,000 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Wilkes Barre
Before purchasing a home in Wilkes Barre, 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)
- Wilkes Barre 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
- 57% of Wilkes Barre is in flood zones — verify insurance requirements
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 87% of Wilkes Barre 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)
Updated daily.
Water Quality Map: Wilkes Barre, PA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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