Is Colchester, VT Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 93/100
Score 93/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade A · Updated 2026-05-03
Colchester 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
On the scale from routine upkeep to equity-straining commitments, remediation in Colchester lands firmly toward the lower end — the repair budget here is proportionally contained, which makes safety planning a tractable financial exercise rather than a significant equity consideration for most owners.
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. Colchester scores 93/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Colchester:
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 Colchester's 3 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05446 | 84 | B | View report → |
| 05439 | 98 | A | View report → |
| 05449 | 98 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Colchester, Vermont has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 93/100 across 3 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Colchester's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade A (93/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0010 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 33% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 46 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Colchester:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $400 |
| Pfas | $167 |
| Total (low estimate) | $517 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $867 |
| Total (high estimate) | $1K |
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 Colchester's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Colchester vs. Nearby Vermont Cities
How Colchester's overall risk compares to similar cities in Vermont:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colchester | A | 0 | 55 | 21,410 |
| Proctor | B | 0 | 20 | 20,500 |
| Essex Junction | A | 0 | 2 | 19,234 |
| Essex | A | 0 | 0 | 19,234 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Colchester
Before purchasing a home in Colchester, Vermont, 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
- 33% of Colchester 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
- 54% of Colchester 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.
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