Is Houston, TX Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 87/100
Score 87/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade A · Updated 2026-05-03
Houston 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 cost and property data together for Houston, remediation sits in the mid-range of the equity-share spectrum — a level that represents a real budget decision, though one that deliberate financial planning can accommodate for most households 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. Houston scores 87/100 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. Houston's equity trap ratio is 1.2%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Houston:
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 Houston's 190 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 77008 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77013 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77015 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77016 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77018 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77022 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77024 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77025 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77026 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77028 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77032 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77034 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77035 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77037 | 74 | B | View report → |
| 77038 | 74 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Houston, Texas has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 87/100 across 190 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Houston's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade A (87/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0040 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 70% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 51 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Houston:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Pfas | $256 |
| 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 Houston's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 77008 | 74 | B |
| 77013 | 74 | B |
| 77015 | 74 | B |
| 77016 | 74 | B |
| 77018 | 74 | B |
| 77022 | 74 | B |
| 77024 | 74 | B |
| 77025 | 74 | B |
| 77026 | 74 | B |
| 77028 | 74 | B |
| 77032 | 74 | B |
| 77034 | 74 | B |
| 77035 | 74 | B |
| 77037 | 74 | B |
| 77038 | 74 | B |
Safety scores range from 74 (77008) to 98 (77299) — a spread of 24 points.
Houston vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Houston's overall risk compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | A | 0 | 119,477 | 3,195,329 |
| Alief | B | 0 | 4 | 2,970,543 |
| Fresno | C | 0 | 94 | 2,970,543 |
| North Houston | C | 0 | 0 | 2,970,543 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Houston
Before purchasing a home in Houston, 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
- 70% of Houston 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
- 56% of Houston 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: Houston, TX
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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