Is Summerville, SC Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 84/100
Score 84/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Summerville has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
While every safety upgrade carries a real price tag, the estimated remediation range for Summerville reflects a proportionally modest share of local home values — a baseline that leaves substantial room for financial planning and does not signal equity stress for most owners.
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. Summerville scores 84/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Summerville:
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 Summerville's 4 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29485 | 76 | B | View report → |
| 29483 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 29486 | 86 | A | View report → |
| 29484 | 94 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Summerville, South Carolina has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 84/100 across 4 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Summerville's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (84/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0009 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 75% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 71 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Summerville:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $600 |
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Pfas | $600 |
| Total (low estimate) | $1K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $2K |
| Total (high estimate) | $4K |
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 Summerville's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Safety scores range from 76 (29485) to 94 (29484) — a spread of 18 points.
Summerville vs. Nearby South Carolina Cities
How Summerville's overall risk compares to similar cities in South Carolina:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summerville | B | 0 | 460 | 151,109 |
| Spartanburg | B | 0 | 98 | 146,348 |
| Okatie | B | 0 | 69 | 145,787 |
| Arcadia | D | 0 | 0 | 140,024 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Summerville
Before purchasing a home in Summerville, 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
- 75% of Summerville 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
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.
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