Is Milwaukee, WI Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 82/100
Score 82/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Home Safety Grade B · Updated
Milwaukee 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 cost data for Milwaukee settles in the mid-range - a real budget item that warrants early attention.
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. Milwaukee scores 82/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
What is the equity trap ratio?
The equity trap ratio measures estimated remediation costs as a percentage of median home value. A high ratio (above 5%) means fixing environmental issues could consume a significant portion of your home equity - a potential "trap" for buyers unaware of hidden costs. Milwaukee's equity trap ratio is 1.4%.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Milwaukee:
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 Milwaukee's 42 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53211 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 53217 | 67 | C | View report → |
| 53221 | 81 | B | View report → |
| 53202 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 53203 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 53204 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 53205 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 53206 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 53207 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 53208 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 53209 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 53210 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 53212 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 53213 | 83 | B | View report → |
| 53214 | 83 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Milwaukee, Wisconsin has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 82/100 across 28 ZIP codes. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Milwaukee's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 21 EPA violations across 28 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0070 mg/L | Elevated risk |
| Flood Risk | 46% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 51 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Milwaukee:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lead | $5K |
| Filtration | $300 |
| Total (low estimate) | $4K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $6K |
| Total (high estimate) | $8K |
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 Milwaukee's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 53211 | 67 | C |
| 53217 | 67 | C |
| 53221 | 81 | B |
| 53202 | 83 | B |
| 53203 | 83 | B |
| 53204 | 83 | B |
| 53205 | 83 | B |
| 53206 | 83 | B |
| 53207 | 83 | B |
| 53208 | 83 | B |
| 53209 | 83 | B |
| 53210 | 83 | B |
| 53212 | 83 | B |
| 53213 | 83 | B |
| 53214 | 83 | B |
Safety scores range from 67 (53211) to 83 (53295) - a spread of 16 points.
Milwaukee vs. Nearby Wisconsin Cities
How Milwaukee's overall risk compares to similar cities in Wisconsin:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | B | 2 | 2,374 | 785,981 |
| Madison | C | 0 | 112 | 308,771 |
| Green Bay | B | 0 | 323 | 188,379 |
| Racine | B | 0 | 82 | 127,813 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Milwaukee
Before purchasing a home in Milwaukee, 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)
- 2 ZIP codes exceed EPA lead limits - test lead specifically
Radon
- Conduct a radon test ($15-$30 for short-term kit, $150-$300 for professional)
- Milwaukee is in Radon Zone 2 (Moderate 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: 46% 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
- 85% of Milwaukee 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: Milwaukee, WI
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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