Is Madison, WI Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 62/100
Score 62/100 · Risk: moderate · Home Safety Grade C · Updated
Madison has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
While every safety upgrade carries a real price tag, the estimated remediation range for Madison reflects a proportionally modest share of local home values - a baseline that leaves substantial room for financial planning and does not signal equity stress for most owners.
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. Madison scores 62/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Madison:
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 Madison's 35 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53705 | 50 | D | View report → |
| 53717 | 52 | D | View report → |
| 53718 | 60 | C | View report → |
| 53719 | 61 | C | View report → |
| 53704 | 62 | C | View report → |
| 53714 | 63 | C | View report → |
| 53711 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 53713 | 64 | C | View report → |
| 53703 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 53706 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 53715 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 53716 | 65 | C | View report → |
| 53726 | 65 | C | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Madison, Wisconsin has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 62/100 across 13 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Madison's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 62 EPA violations across 14 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0031 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 30% 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 Madison:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $321 |
| Pfas | $464 |
| Total (low estimate) | $439 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $786 |
| 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 Madison's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 53705 | 50 | D |
| 53717 | 52 | D |
| 53718 | 60 | C |
| 53719 | 61 | C |
| 53704 | 62 | C |
| 53714 | 63 | C |
| 53711 | 64 | C |
| 53713 | 64 | C |
| 53703 | 65 | C |
| 53706 | 65 | C |
| 53715 | 65 | C |
| 53716 | 65 | C |
| 53726 | 65 | C |
Madison vs. Nearby Wisconsin Cities
How Madison's overall risk compares to similar cities in Wisconsin:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison | C | 0 | 112 | 308,771 |
| Green Bay | B | 0 | 323 | 188,379 |
| Racine | B | 0 | 82 | 127,813 |
| Appleton | B | 0 | 25 | 125,681 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Madison
Before purchasing a home in Madison, Wisconsin, 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)
- Madison 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: 30% 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
- 61% of Madison 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: Madison, WI
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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