Is Memphis, TN Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 100/100
Score 100/100 · Risk: low · Home Safety Grade A · Updated
Memphis has low overall risk for homebuyers. Most safety indicators are within acceptable ranges.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
What is a home safety score?
Home Safety Score model 4.0.0 combines EPA SDWIS identity plus accepted ECHO SDWA lifecycle-based water compliance, UCMR5 PFAS, EPA radon zone, and annual AQI with complete coverage. Memphis scores 100/100 with a "low" risk level.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Safety scores vary across Memphis's 63 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38125 | 98 | A | View report → |
| 38103 | 100 | A | View report → |
| 38104 | 100 | A | View report → |
| 38105 | 100 | A | View report → |
| 38106 | 100 | A | View report → |
| 38107 | 100 | A | View report → |
| 38108 | 100 | A | View report → |
| 38109 | 100 | A | View report → |
| 38111 | 100 | A | View report → |
| 38112 | 100 | A | View report → |
| 38114 | 100 | A | View report → |
| 38115 | 100 | A | View report → |
| 38116 | 100 | A | View report → |
| 38117 | 100 | A | View report → |
| 38118 | 100 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Memphis, Tennessee has low overall risk under the current model. The average Home Safety Score is 100/100 across 27 ZIP codes. The model covers water compliance, PFAS screening, radon, and annual air quality; property-level conditions still require inspection.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Memphis's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 2 EPA violations across 28 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0047 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 43% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 71 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Home safety varies across Memphis's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 38125 | 98 | A |
| 38103 | 100 | A |
| 38104 | 100 | A |
| 38105 | 100 | A |
| 38106 | 100 | A |
| 38107 | 100 | A |
| 38108 | 100 | A |
| 38109 | 100 | A |
| 38111 | 100 | A |
| 38112 | 100 | A |
| 38114 | 100 | A |
| 38115 | 100 | A |
| 38116 | 100 | A |
| 38117 | 100 | A |
| 38118 | 100 | A |
Memphis vs. Nearby Tennessee Cities
How Memphis's overall risk compares to similar cities in Tennessee:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | A | 0 | 693 | 676,192 |
| Nashville | C | 0 | 3,752 | 475,253 |
| Knoxville | C | 0 | 543 | 442,846 |
| Murfreesboro | N/A | 0 | 186 | 220,126 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Memphis
Before purchasing a home in Memphis, Tennessee, 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
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 43% of ZIPs with NFIP claim records have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones. This does not replace an address-level FEMA map check.
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 72% of Memphis 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)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
Water Quality Map: Memphis, TN
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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