Is Spokane, WA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 49/100
Score 49/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Home Safety Grade D · Updated
Spokane has moderate-to-high risk. Several risk factors require careful evaluation.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
Home safety upgrades in Spokane carry a comparatively light financial footprint against local property wealth.
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. Spokane scores 49/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Spokane:
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 Spokane's 29 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99216 | 42 | D | View report → |
| 99217 | 42 | D | View report → |
| 99223 | 46 | D | View report → |
| 99208 | 47 | D | View report → |
| 99212 | 47 | D | View report → |
| 99224 | 47 | D | View report → |
| 99205 | 49 | D | View report → |
| 99218 | 49 | D | View report → |
| 99201 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 99202 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 99203 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 99204 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 99207 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 99258 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 99206 | 59 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Spokane, Washington has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 49/100 across 15 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Spokane's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 49 EPA violations across 16 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0064 mg/L | Elevated risk |
| Flood Risk | 58% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 51 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Spokane:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lead | $653 |
| Filtration | $38 |
| Pfas | $513 |
| Total (low estimate) | $766 |
| 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 Spokane's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 99216 | 42 | D |
| 99217 | 42 | D |
| 99223 | 46 | D |
| 99208 | 47 | D |
| 99212 | 47 | D |
| 99224 | 47 | D |
| 99205 | 49 | D |
| 99218 | 49 | D |
| 99201 | 50 | D |
| 99202 | 50 | D |
| 99203 | 50 | D |
| 99204 | 50 | D |
| 99207 | 50 | D |
| 99258 | 50 | D |
| 99206 | 59 | C |
Safety scores range from 42 (99216) to 59 (99206) - a spread of 17 points.
Spokane vs. Nearby Washington Cities
How Spokane's overall risk compares to similar cities in Washington:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spokane | D | 3 | 33 | 389,529 |
| Tacoma | A | 0 | 399 | 364,667 |
| Vancouver | D | 0 | 37 | 356,538 |
| Olympia | A | 0 | 164 | 198,909 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Spokane
Before purchasing a home in Spokane, 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)
- 3 ZIP codes exceed EPA lead limits - test lead specifically
Radon
- Conduct a radon test ($15-$30 for short-term kit, $150-$300 for professional)
- Spokane 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: 58% 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
- 64% of Spokane 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)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
Water Quality Map: Spokane, WA
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