Is Sioux Falls, SD Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 61/100
Score 61/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade C · Updated 2026-05-03
Sioux Falls 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
Estimates for Sioux Falls show a mid-range cost-to-property-value ratio — a genuine financial planning input.
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. Sioux Falls scores 61/100 with a "moderate" 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. Sioux Falls's equity trap ratio is 1.2%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Sioux Falls:
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 Sioux Falls's 20 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57104 | 56 | C | View report → |
| 57105 | 56 | C | View report → |
| 57103 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 57106 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 57107 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 57108 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 57109 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 57117 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 57118 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 57186 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 57189 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 57192 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 57193 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 57194 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 57195 | 61 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Sioux Falls, South Dakota has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 61/100 across 20 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Sioux Falls's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade C (61/100) | Moderate risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0030 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 40% 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 Sioux Falls:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $1K |
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $570 |
| Pfas | $75 |
| 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 Sioux Falls's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 57104 | 56 | C |
| 57105 | 56 | C |
| 57103 | 61 | C |
| 57106 | 61 | C |
| 57107 | 61 | C |
| 57108 | 61 | C |
| 57109 | 61 | C |
| 57117 | 61 | C |
| 57118 | 61 | C |
| 57186 | 61 | C |
| 57189 | 61 | C |
| 57192 | 61 | C |
| 57193 | 61 | C |
| 57194 | 61 | C |
| 57195 | 61 | C |
Sioux Falls vs. Nearby South Dakota Cities
How Sioux Falls's overall risk compares to similar cities in South Dakota:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | C | 0 | 284 | 223,087 |
| Renner | D | 0 | 64 | 216,462 |
| Rapid City | B | 0 | 94 | 86,567 |
| Aberdeen | C | 0 | 430 | 50,402 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Sioux Falls
Before purchasing a home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 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)
- Sioux Falls 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
- 40% of Sioux Falls 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
- 43% of Sioux Falls 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: Sioux Falls, SD
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Check your specific ZIP code
City averages can hide neighborhood-level risks. Enter your ZIP for a personalized home safety score.
Check Your Home Safety Score