Is Richmond, VA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 88/100
Score 88/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade A · Updated 2026-05-03
Richmond 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
Although no safety investment is trivial, Richmond's remediation cost range is proportionally modest against home values here — a lower-tier figure within typical planning reach.
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. Richmond scores 88/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Richmond:
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 Richmond's 39 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23236 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 23237 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 23297 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 23240 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 23219 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 23223 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 23224 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 23225 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 23226 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 23218 | 86 | A | View report → |
| 23222 | 86 | A | View report → |
| 23227 | 86 | A | View report → |
| 23230 | 86 | A | View report → |
| 23234 | 86 | A | View report → |
| 23235 | 86 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Richmond, Virginia has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 88/100 across 39 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Richmond's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade A (91/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0036 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 46% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 53 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Richmond:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Pfas | $158 |
| Total (low estimate) | $979 |
| 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 Richmond's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 23236 | 61 | C |
| 23237 | 61 | C |
| 23297 | 62 | C |
| 23240 | 66 | C |
| 23219 | 81 | B |
| 23223 | 81 | B |
| 23224 | 81 | B |
| 23225 | 81 | B |
| 23226 | 81 | B |
| 23218 | 86 | A |
| 23222 | 86 | A |
| 23227 | 86 | A |
| 23230 | 86 | A |
| 23234 | 86 | A |
| 23235 | 86 | A |
Safety scores range from 61 (23236) to 95 (23298) — a spread of 34 points.
Richmond vs. Nearby Virginia Cities
How Richmond's overall risk compares to similar cities in Virginia:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | A | 0 | 744 | 231,333 |
| Midlothian | C | 0 | 56 | 229,395 |
| University Of Richmond | B | 0 | 2 | 229,395 |
| Mc Lean | C | 0 | 104 | 245,000 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Richmond
Before purchasing a home in Richmond, Virginia, 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
- 46% of Richmond 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
- 75% of Richmond 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: Richmond, VA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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