Is Charleston, SC Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 89/100
Score 89/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade A · Updated 2026-07-18
Charleston has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-07-18
Home safety upgrades in Charleston carry a comparatively light financial footprint against local property wealth.
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. Charleston scores 89/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Charleston:
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 Charleston's 16 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29401 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 29407 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 29412 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 29414 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 29403 | 80 | B | View report → |
| 29406 | 85 | A | View report → |
| 29402 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 29492 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 29417 | 95 | A | View report → |
| 29422 | 95 | A | View report → |
| 29425 | 95 | A | View report → |
| 29409 | 99 | A | View report → |
| 29413 | 99 | A | View report → |
| 29416 | 99 | A | View report → |
| 29423 | 99 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Charleston, South Carolina has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 89/100 across 16 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Charleston's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade A (89/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0035 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 69% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 57 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Charleston:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Pfas | $462 |
| Total (low estimate) | $1K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $2K |
| Total (high estimate) | $2K |
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 Charleston's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 29401 | 75 | B |
| 29407 | 75 | B |
| 29412 | 75 | B |
| 29414 | 75 | B |
| 29403 | 80 | B |
| 29406 | 85 | A |
| 29402 | 90 | A |
| 29492 | 90 | A |
| 29417 | 95 | A |
| 29422 | 95 | A |
| 29425 | 95 | A |
| 29409 | 99 | A |
| 29413 | 99 | A |
| 29416 | 99 | A |
| 29423 | 99 | A |
Safety scores range from 75 (29401) to 99 (29424) - a spread of 24 points.
Charleston vs. Nearby South Carolina Cities
How Charleston's overall risk compares to similar cities in South Carolina:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | A | 0 | 10,413 | 208,163 |
| Greenville | C | 0 | 586 | 231,120 |
| Myrtle Beach | B | 0 | 4,091 | 172,796 |
| Summerville | B | 0 | 460 | 164,613 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Charleston
Before purchasing a home in Charleston, South Carolina, 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
- 69% of Charleston 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
- 61% of Charleston 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: Charleston, SC
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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