Is Tacoma, WA Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 94/100
Score 94/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade A · Updated 2026-05-03
Tacoma 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 upgrades in Tacoma carry a comparatively light financial footprint against local property wealth.
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. Tacoma scores 94/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Tacoma:
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 Tacoma's 38 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98443 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 98404 | 88 | A | View report → |
| 98422 | 88 | A | View report → |
| 98424 | 88 | A | View report → |
| 98444 | 88 | A | View report → |
| 98445 | 88 | A | View report → |
| 98446 | 88 | A | View report → |
| 98466 | 88 | A | View report → |
| 98402 | 93 | A | View report → |
| 98403 | 93 | A | View report → |
| 98405 | 93 | A | View report → |
| 98406 | 93 | A | View report → |
| 98407 | 93 | A | View report → |
| 98408 | 93 | A | View report → |
| 98409 | 93 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Tacoma, Washington has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 94/100 across 38 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Tacoma's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade A (94/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0010 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 47% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 28 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Tacoma:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Pfas | $524 |
| 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 Tacoma's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 98443 | 83 | B |
| 98404 | 88 | A |
| 98422 | 88 | A |
| 98424 | 88 | A |
| 98444 | 88 | A |
| 98445 | 88 | A |
| 98446 | 88 | A |
| 98466 | 88 | A |
| 98402 | 93 | A |
| 98403 | 93 | A |
| 98405 | 93 | A |
| 98406 | 93 | A |
| 98407 | 93 | A |
| 98408 | 93 | A |
| 98409 | 93 | A |
Tacoma vs. Nearby Washington Cities
How Tacoma's overall risk compares to similar cities in Washington:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma | A | 0 | 399 | 566,031 |
| Vancouver | C | 0 | 37 | 494,300 |
| Mcchord Afb | C | 0 | 0 | 448,771 |
| Spokane | C | 0 | 33 | 394,809 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Tacoma
Before purchasing a home in Tacoma, 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
- 47% of Tacoma 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
- 63% of Tacoma 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: Tacoma, WA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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