Lucas County, Iowa
5 ZIP codes · Avg score 56/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current EPA data, Lucas County's 5 ZIP codes reflect fair but mixed water safety.
How Lucas County Compares
How Lucas County Compares
Lucas County scores 3 points below the Iowa state average (59/100) and 12 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Lucas County, Iowa
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 14.9 (asthma 10.2%, diabetes 13.5%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $794, driven primarily by water_lead
Infrastructure: 0.46% avg pipe failure probability, 80% of ZIPs at high risk
77.6% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $794
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
4,441 housing units in Lucas County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Lucas County
Water safety remediation is a moderate expense relative to home values. Most homeowners can address issues through staged improvements over time.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Lucas County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 3 systems in Lucas County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rathbun Regional Water Assn (rathbun) | 33,000 | 4 |
| 2 | Russell Water Supply | 477 | 4 |
| 3 | Chariton Municipal Water Works | 4,381 | 0 |
All ZIP Codes in Lucas County
5 ZIP codes tracked in Lucas County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50238 | Russell | 68 | C | 4 | $83K |
| 2 | 50049 | Chariton | 66 | C | 0 | $124K |
| 3 | 50151 | Lucas | 53 | D | 0 | $143K |
| 4 | 52569 | Melrose | 53 | D | 0 | $71K |
| 5 | 50272 | Williamson | 40 | D | 0 | $48K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Lucas County
Editorial-only picks, screened against the EPA detections on file.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 77.6% of homes built before 1978
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Lucas County, Iowa
Overview
Lucas County in Iowa covers 5 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (56/100).
1 of 5 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
← Back to Iowa water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.