Is Sterling, VA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 77/100
Score 77/100 · Risk: low · Home Safety Grade B · Updated
Sterling has low overall risk for homebuyers. Most safety indicators are within acceptable ranges.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
Although no safety investment is trivial, Sterling'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?
Home Safety Score model 4.0.0 combines EPA SDWIS identity plus accepted ECHO SDWA lifecycle-based water compliance, UCMR5 PFAS, EPA radon zone, and annual AQI with complete coverage. Sterling scores 77/100 with a "low" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Sterling:
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 Sterling's 5 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20164 | 66 | C | View report → |
| 20165 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 20166 | 83 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Sterling, Virginia has low overall risk under the current model. The average Home Safety Score is 77/100 across 3 ZIP codes. The model covers water compliance, PFAS screening, radon, and annual air quality; property-level conditions still require inspection.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Sterling's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 1 EPA violations across 3 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0010 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 50% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 47 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Sterling:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Pfas | $500 |
| Total (low estimate) | $300 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $500 |
| Total (high estimate) | $800 |
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 Sterling's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Safety scores range from 66 (20164) to 83 (20166) - a spread of 17 points.
Sterling vs. Nearby Virginia Cities
How Sterling's overall risk compares to similar cities in Virginia:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling | B | 0 | 68 | 90,758 |
| Herndon | D | 0 | 48 | 94,168 |
| Suffolk | A | 0 | 232 | 96,367 |
| Stafford | D | 0 | 110 | 96,388 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Sterling
Before purchasing a home in Sterling, 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)
- Sterling is in Radon Zone 1 (High 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
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 50% of ZIPs with NFIP claim records have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones. This does not replace an address-level FEMA map check.
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
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)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
Water Quality Map: Sterling, VA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Check your specific ZIP code
City averages can hide neighborhood-level risks. Enter your ZIP for a personalized home safety score.
Check Your Home Safety Score