Is Roanoke, VA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 62/100
Score 62/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Roanoke 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
Home safety upgrade figures for Roanoke land in the middle of the cost-to-equity ratio range — a concrete budget decision where scope prioritization, repair sequencing, and work timing all carry weight in determining what owners ultimately spend.
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. Roanoke scores 62/100 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. Roanoke's equity trap ratio is 1.2%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Roanoke:
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 Roanoke's 44 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24014 | 52 | D | View report → |
| 24017 | 52 | D | View report → |
| 24019 | 52 | D | View report → |
| 24012 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 24013 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 24015 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 24016 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 24018 | 57 | C | View report → |
| 24001 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 24004 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 24011 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 24003 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 24008 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 24009 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 24010 | 63 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Roanoke, Virginia has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 62/100 across 44 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Roanoke's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (78/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0048 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 39% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 56 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Roanoke:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Flood Insurance | $773 |
| Pfas | $205 |
| Total (low estimate) | $664 |
| 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 Roanoke's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 24014 | 52 | D |
| 24017 | 52 | D |
| 24019 | 52 | D |
| 24012 | 57 | C |
| 24013 | 57 | C |
| 24015 | 57 | C |
| 24016 | 57 | C |
| 24018 | 57 | C |
| 24001 | 62 | C |
| 24004 | 62 | C |
| 24011 | 62 | C |
| 24003 | 63 | C |
| 24008 | 63 | C |
| 24009 | 63 | C |
| 24010 | 63 | C |
Roanoke vs. Nearby Virginia Cities
How Roanoke's overall risk compares to similar cities in Virginia:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roanoke | B | 0 | 1,532 | 190,045 |
| Bent Mountain | D | 0 | 0 | 182,700 |
| Eagle Rock | D | 0 | 73 | 182,700 |
| Chesapeake | A | 0 | 2,637 | 197,849 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Roanoke
Before purchasing a home in Roanoke, 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)
- Roanoke is in Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk) — testing is strongly recommended
Flood Risk
- Check the property's FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov
- Ask about flood history and past insurance claims
- 39% of Roanoke 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
- 78% of Roanoke 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: Roanoke, VA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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