Is El Paso, TX Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 97/100
Score 97/100 · Risk: low · Water Grade A · Updated 2026-05-03
El Paso has low overall risk for homebuyers. Most safety indicators are within acceptable ranges.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
What does a mid-range remediation estimate mean for El Paso property owners? It means the safety investment is real and warrants planning — but it also means that most homeowners can address identified items through structured budgeting without reaching for equity-backed financing or emergency funding strategies.
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. El Paso scores 97/100 with a "low" 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. El Paso's equity trap ratio is 1.0%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in El Paso:
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 El Paso's 138 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 79904 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 79907 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 79912 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 79915 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 79922 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 79924 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 79932 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 79902 | 89 | A | View report → |
| 79903 | 89 | A | View report → |
| 79905 | 89 | A | View report → |
| 79927 | 89 | A | View report → |
| 79930 | 89 | A | View report → |
| 79935 | 89 | A | View report → |
| 79901 | 94 | A | View report → |
| 79911 | 94 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
El Paso, Texas has low overall risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 97/100 across 138 ZIP codes. While no area is risk-free, El Paso performs well across water quality, lead exposure, flood risk, and environmental factors.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of El Paso's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade A (97/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0012 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 14% in flood zones | Moderate risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 87 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in El Paso:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Pfas | $364 |
| Total (low estimate) | $964 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $1K |
| 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 El Paso's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 79904 | 84 | B |
| 79907 | 84 | B |
| 79912 | 84 | B |
| 79915 | 84 | B |
| 79922 | 84 | B |
| 79924 | 84 | B |
| 79932 | 84 | B |
| 79902 | 89 | A |
| 79903 | 89 | A |
| 79905 | 89 | A |
| 79927 | 89 | A |
| 79930 | 89 | A |
| 79935 | 89 | A |
| 79901 | 94 | A |
| 79911 | 94 | A |
El Paso vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How El Paso's overall risk compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Paso | A | 0 | 764 | 755,828 |
| Fort Bliss | C | 0 | 0 | 747,168 |
| Naval Air Station/ Jrb | C | 0 | 0 | 955,900 |
| Fort Worth | A | 0 | 1,308 | 962,634 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for El Paso
Before purchasing a home in El Paso, 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
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 54% of El Paso 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: El Paso, TX
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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