Is San Antonio, TX Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 92/100
Score 92/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade A · Updated 2026-05-03
San Antonio 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
Against local home values, the safety upgrade budget in San Antonio occupies a moderate share — a figure that rewards clear scope definition and early financial preparation.
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. San Antonio scores 92/100 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. San Antonio's equity trap ratio is 1.1%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in San Antonio:
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 San Antonio's 86 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78209 | 79 | B | View report → |
| 78201 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78212 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78213 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78216 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78217 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78218 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78227 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78228 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78230 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78232 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78238 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 78205 | 89 | A | View report → |
| 78207 | 89 | A | View report → |
| 78210 | 89 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
San Antonio, Texas has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 92/100 across 86 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of San Antonio's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade A (92/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0016 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 67% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 52 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in San Antonio:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $999 |
| Pfas | $355 |
| 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 San Antonio's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 78209 | 79 | B |
| 78201 | 84 | B |
| 78212 | 84 | B |
| 78213 | 84 | B |
| 78216 | 84 | B |
| 78217 | 84 | B |
| 78218 | 84 | B |
| 78227 | 84 | B |
| 78228 | 84 | B |
| 78230 | 84 | B |
| 78232 | 84 | B |
| 78238 | 84 | B |
| 78205 | 89 | A |
| 78207 | 89 | A |
| 78210 | 89 | A |
Safety scores range from 79 (78209) to 98 (78299) — a spread of 19 points.
San Antonio vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How San Antonio's overall risk compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | A | 0 | 2,152 | 2,170,211 |
| Lackland A F B | C | 0 | 0 | 2,113,151 |
| Macdona | C | 0 | 0 | 2,113,151 |
| Rio Medina | B | 0 | 5 | 2,113,151 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for San Antonio
Before purchasing a home in San Antonio, 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
- 67% of San Antonio 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
- 49% of San Antonio 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: San Antonio, TX
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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