Is Austin, TX Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 92/100
Score 92/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade A · Updated 2026-05-03
Austin 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
Looking at Austin's cost and property data together, estimated remediation figures fall in the lower portion of the equity-share spectrum — a classification that reflects local valuations and places safety planning well within reach for most property owners here.
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. Austin scores 92/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Austin:
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 Austin's 80 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78734 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 78744 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 78745 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 78747 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 78701 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78703 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78704 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78719 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78721 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78723 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78724 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78727 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78731 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78746 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78750 | 84 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Austin, Texas has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 92/100 across 80 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Austin's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade A (92/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0040 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 63% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 55 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Austin:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $304 |
| Flood Insurance | $856 |
| Pfas | $371 |
| Total (low estimate) | $971 |
| 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 Austin's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 78734 | 79 | B |
| 78744 | 79 | B |
| 78745 | 79 | B |
| 78747 | 79 | B |
| 78701 | 84 | B |
| 78703 | 84 | B |
| 78704 | 84 | B |
| 78719 | 84 | B |
| 78721 | 84 | B |
| 78723 | 84 | B |
| 78724 | 84 | B |
| 78727 | 84 | B |
| 78731 | 84 | B |
| 78746 | 84 | B |
| 78750 | 84 | B |
Safety scores range from 79 (78734) to 98 (78799) — a spread of 19 points.
Austin vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Austin's overall risk compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | A | 0 | 3,932 | 1,246,707 |
| Mc Neil | C | 0 | 0 | 1,115,323 |
| Dallas | A | 0 | 1,614 | 1,409,301 |
| Fort Worth | A | 0 | 1,308 | 962,634 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Austin
Before purchasing a home in Austin, Texas, 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
- 63% of Austin 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.
Water Quality Map: Austin, TX
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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