Is Kent, WA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 95/100
Score 95/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade A · Updated 2026-05-03
Kent 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 Kent 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. Kent scores 95/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Kent:
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 Kent's 7 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98031 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 98032 | 90 | A | View report → |
| 98030 | 95 | A | View report → |
| 98042 | 95 | A | View report → |
| 98035 | 99 | A | View report → |
| 98064 | 99 | A | View report → |
| 98089 | 99 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Kent, Washington has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 95/100 across 7 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Kent's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade A (95/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0010 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 57% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 54 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Kent:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Pfas | $525 |
| 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 Kent's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 98031 | 90 | A |
| 98032 | 90 | A |
| 98030 | 95 | A |
| 98042 | 95 | A |
| 98035 | 99 | A |
| 98064 | 99 | A |
| 98089 | 99 | A |
Kent vs. Nearby Washington Cities
How Kent's overall risk compares to similar cities in Washington:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kent | A | 0 | 59 | 359,346 |
| Airway Heights | D | 0 | 0 | 343,167 |
| Nine Mile Falls | D | 0 | 2 | 343,167 |
| Valleyford | D | 0 | 1 | 343,167 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Kent
Before purchasing a home in Kent, Washington, 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
- 57% of Kent 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
- 52% of Kent 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: Kent, WA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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