Is Providence, RI Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 63/100
Score 63/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
Providence 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
Remediation costs in Providence sit toward the more affordable end of what home safety work typically runs.
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. Providence scores 63/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Providence:
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 Providence's 12 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02904 | 54 | D | View report → |
| 02905 | 59 | C | View report → |
| 02909 | 59 | C | View report → |
| 02903 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 02906 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 02907 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 02908 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 02901 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 02912 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 02918 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 02902 | 69 | C | View report → |
| 02940 | 69 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Providence, Rhode Island has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 63/100 across 12 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Providence's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (63/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0100 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 75% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 42 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Providence:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Total (low estimate) | $883 |
| 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 Providence's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 02904 | 54 | D |
| 02905 | 59 | C |
| 02909 | 59 | C |
| 02903 | 64 | C |
| 02906 | 64 | C |
| 02907 | 64 | C |
| 02908 | 64 | C |
| 02901 | 65 | C |
| 02912 | 65 | C |
| 02918 | 65 | C |
| 02902 | 69 | C |
| 02940 | 69 | C |
Providence vs. Nearby Rhode Island Cities
How Providence's overall risk compares to similar cities in Rhode Island:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | C | 0 | 506 | 334,508 |
| Cranston | D | 0 | 470 | 333,142 |
| North Providence | D | 0 | 65 | 333,142 |
| Riverside | C | 0 | 32 | 333,142 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Providence
Before purchasing a home in Providence, Rhode Island, 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)
- Providence 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
- 75% of Providence 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
- 89% of Providence 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: Providence, RI
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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