Metro Report Grade B

Detroit Metro Area Home Safety Report

354 ZIP codes · 3,813,351 residents · 299 water systems

Data source: EPA SDWIS, U.S. Census Bureau, FEMA NFIP Last verified: 2026-06-03

77/100

Avg Safety Score

955

EPA Violations

ZIPs Exceeding Lead Limit

71%

Pre-1986 Housing

Grade Distribution

A: 72 B: 198 C: 53 D: 23 F: 0

The Detroit metropolitan area spans Michigan and includes 354 ZIP codes served by 299 community water systems. We analyzed EPA compliance records, lead testing data, housing age, flood insurance claims, and radon risk for every ZIP in the metro to produce this report.

Metro-Wide Safety Score: B (77/100)

The Home Safety Score combines water quality, lead risk, radon exposure, and flood risk into a single 0-100 rating.

Grade Distribution

Grade	ZIP Codes	Percentage
A	72	21%
B	198	57%
C	53	15%
D	23	7%
F	0	0%

78% of ZIP codes in the Detroit metro earned an A or B — above-average safety conditions for homebuyers.

Safest Neighborhoods (Top 10 ZIPs)

Rank	ZIP Code	City	Score	Grade
1	48090	Warren	99	A
2	48094	Washington	99	A
3	48122	Melvindale	99	A
4	48397	Warren	99	A
5	48413	Bad Axe	99	A
6	48112	Belleville	98	A
7	48318	Utica	98	A
8	48460	New Lothrop	97	A
9	48475	Ubly	97	A
10	48121	Dearborn	96	A

The safest ZIP code is 48090 in Warren with a score of 99/100. These areas typically have newer infrastructure, fewer EPA violations, and lower environmental risk factors.

Highest-Risk Neighborhoods (Bottom 10 ZIPs)

Rank	ZIP Code	City	Score	Grade	Key Risk
1	48115	Bridgewater	40	D	High radon zone
2	48157	Luna Pier	45	D	—
3	48145	La Salle	45	D	—
4	48133	Erie	45	D	—
5	48476	Vernon	53	D	—
6	48472	Snover	53	D	—
7	48470	Ruth	53	D	—
8	48465	Palms	53	D	—
9	48464	Otter Lake	53	D	—
10	48440	Hadley	53	D	—

If you are considering a home in these ZIP codes, we recommend requesting a water quality test, checking for lead service lines, and reviewing the full ZIP report before making an offer.

Most Common Contaminant Violations

Contaminant	Category	Violations	ZIPs Affected
Surface Water Treatment Rule	Treatment Technique	169	98
Chlorite	Disinfection Byproducts	142	50
Stage 1 DBP Rule	Treatment Technique	110	67
Consumer Confidence Report Rule	Reporting	93	55
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)	Disinfection Byproducts	92	63
E. coli	Microbiological	49	48
Contaminant 1011	Other	48	48
Fecal Coliform	Microbiological	46	46
Barium	Inorganic	45	20
Stage 2 DBP Rule	Treatment Technique	32	15

4 of the top contaminants are health-based violations, meaning measured levels exceeded EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).

Lead Risk Overview

Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0042 mg/L (below EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L)
11 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
21% of housing built before 1950 (highest lead paint risk)
38% of housing built before 1970 (lead solder in plumbing)
71% of housing built before 1986 (potential lead pipes)

With over half of homes built before 1986, lead plumbing components are common. Running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking can reduce lead exposure from older pipes.

Flood Risk

8,176 FEMA flood insurance claims filed
228 ZIP codes with flood claims (64% of metro)
$5,724 average payout per claim
$46,798,615 total payouts

Water System Comparison

The Detroit metro is served by 299 community water systems, drawing from: Groundwater, Surface water.

Major water systems include:

Adventure Acres
Albee Township
Allen Park
Almont, Village of
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor Township
Apple Grove Estates
Argentine Care Center
Armada, Village of
Ash Township
...and 289 more systems

Water quality can vary significantly between systems. Always check the ZIP-level report for your specific address.

Radon Risk

Zone	Risk Level	ZIP Codes	Percentage
Zone 1	High	21	6%
Zone 2	Moderate	157	44%
Zone 3	Low	167	47%

Is Detroit Safe for Homebuyers?

Positive indicators: above-average metro safety score (B); majority of ZIP codes rated A or B.

Areas of concern: 222 health-based EPA violations on record; 11 ZIP codes exceed EPA lead limits.

Safety conditions vary widely within the metro. A ZIP code with an A grade may be just a few miles from one rated F. Always check your specific ZIP code before making a purchase decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water quality safety grade for the Detroit metro area?

The Detroit metro area has an average Home Safety Score of 77/100 (grade B). This score is based on EPA violation records, lead testing data, radon risk, and flood exposure across 354 ZIP codes.

How many EPA water violations are in the Detroit area?

There are 955 total EPA violations across the Detroit metro, with 222 being health-based violations. 218 out of 354 ZIP codes (62%) have at least one recorded violation.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Detroit?

Water safety varies by ZIP code and water system. 11 ZIP codes in the metro exceed EPA lead action levels. The average lead level is 0.0042 mg/L (EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L). Check your specific ZIP code for a detailed report.

What percentage of homes in Detroit have lead risk?

Approximately 71% of housing in the Detroit metro was built before 1986, when lead pipes were still legal. 21% was built before 1950, the highest-risk category for lead paint. Homes in older neighborhoods should be tested for lead in both water and paint.

What is the flood risk in the Detroit metro?

The Detroit metro has recorded 8,176 FEMA flood insurance claims across 228 ZIP codes, with an average payout of $5,724 per claim. Check the FEMA flood map for your specific property.

Cities in the Detroit Metro

Detroit, MI — 46 ZIP codes
Ann Arbor, MI — 8 ZIP codes
Warren, MI — 7 ZIP codes
Troy, MI — 6 ZIP codes
Southfield, MI — 6 ZIP codes
Dearborn, MI — 6 ZIP codes
Farmington, MI — 6 ZIP codes
Livonia, MI — 5 ZIP codes
Sterling Heights, MI — 5 ZIP codes
Bloomfield Hills, MI — 4 ZIP codes
Rochester, MI — 4 ZIP codes
Utica, MI — 4 ZIP codes
West Bloomfield, MI — 4 ZIP codes
Pontiac, MI — 4 ZIP codes
Lake Orion, MI — 4 ZIP codes
Novi, MI — 4 ZIP codes
Clinton Township, MI — 3 ZIP codes
Royal Oak, MI — 3 ZIP codes
Saint Clair Shores, MI — 3 ZIP codes
Waterford, MI — 3 ZIP codes
Clarkston, MI — 3 ZIP codes
Birmingham, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Macomb, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Mount Clemens, MI — 2 ZIP codes
New Baltimore, MI — 2 ZIP codes
New Haven, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Port Huron, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Washington, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Belleville, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Brighton, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Dearborn Heights, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Garden City, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Monroe, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Northville, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Westland, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Canton, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Ypsilanti, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Grosse Pointe, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Redford, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Auburn Hills, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Highland, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Oxford, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Milford, MI — 2 ZIP codes
White Lake, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Walled Lake, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Grand Blanc, MI — 2 ZIP codes
Algonac, MI — 1 ZIP codes
Allenton, MI — 1 ZIP codes
Almont, MI — 1 ZIP codes
Anchorville, MI — 1 ZIP codes

...and 154 more cities. Browse all via city directory.

All 354 ZIP Codes

View all ZIP codes in the Detroit metro

48001 Algonac [B] — 1 violation
48002 Allenton [C]
48003 Almont [B] — 1 violation
48004 Anchorville [B]
48005 Armada [A] — 5 violations
48006 Avoca [C]
48007 Troy [B] — 2 violations
48008
48009 Birmingham [B] — 10 violations
48010
48011
48012 Birmingham [B] — 10 violations
48014 Capac [B] — 6 violations
48015 Center Line [A] — 3 violations
48017 Clawson [B] — 3 violations
48018
48021 Eastpointe [A]
48022 Emmett [B]
48023 Fair Haven [C]
48024
48025 Franklin [D]
48026 Fraser [A] — 2 violations
48027 Goodells [B]
48028 Harsens Island [C]
48030 Hazel Park [B]
48032 Jeddo [B]
48033 Southfield [B] — 5 violations
48034 Southfield [B] — 5 violations
48035 Clinton Township [A] — 6 violations
48036 Clinton Township [A] — 6 violations
48037 Southfield [B] — 5 violations
48038 Clinton Township [A] — 6 violations
48039 Marine City [B] — 2 violations
48040 Marysville [A] — 3 violations
48041 Memphis [A]
48042 Macomb [A] — 1 violation
48043 Mount Clemens [A] — 5 violations
48044 Macomb [A] — 1 violation
48045 Harrison Township [B]
48046 Mount Clemens [A] — 5 violations
48047 New Baltimore [B] — 1 violation
48048 New Haven [A] — 2 violations
48049 North Street [C]
48050 New Haven [B] — 2 violations
48051 New Baltimore [A] — 1 violation
48053
48054 East China [C]
48055
48059 Fort Gratiot [A] — 1 violation
48060 Port Huron [A] — 2 violations
48061 Port Huron [A] — 2 violations
48062 Richmond [A] — 12 violations
48063 Columbus [A] — 2 violations
48064 Casco [C]
48065 Romeo [A]
48066 Roseville [B] — 4 violations
48067 Royal Oak [B] — 3 violations
48068 Royal Oak [B] — 3 violations
48069 Pleasant Ridge [B]
48070 Huntington Woods [B] — 1 violation
48071 Madison Heights [C] — 1 violation
48072 Berkley [B]
48073 Royal Oak [B] — 3 violations
48074 Smiths Creek [B]
48075 Southfield [B] — 5 violations
48076 Southfield [B] — 5 violations
48079 Saint Clair [C]
48080 Saint Clair Shores [C]
48081 Saint Clair Shores [C]
48082 Saint Clair Shores [C]
48083 Troy [B] — 2 violations
48084 Troy [B] — 2 violations
48085 Troy [B] — 2 violations
48086 Southfield [B] — 5 violations
48088 Warren [A]
48089 Warren [A]
48090 Warren [A]
48091 Warren [A]
48092 Warren [A]
48093 Warren [A]
48094 Washington [A] — 1 violation
48095 Washington [B] — 1 violation
48096 Ray [C]
48097 Yale [A] — 5 violations
48098 Troy [B] — 2 violations
48099 Troy [B] — 2 violations
48101 Allen Park [B] — 1 violation
48103 Ann Arbor [C] — 7 violations
48104 Ann Arbor [C] — 7 violations
48105 Ann Arbor [C] — 7 violations
48106 Ann Arbor [C] — 7 violations
48107 Ann Arbor [C] — 7 violations
48108 Ann Arbor [C] — 7 violations
48109 Ann Arbor [C] — 7 violations
48110 Azalia [D]
48111 Belleville [A] — 9 violations
48112 Belleville [A] — 9 violations
48113 Ann Arbor [C] — 7 violations
48114 Brighton [B]
48115 Bridgewater [D]
48116 Brighton [B]
48117 Carleton [B] — 1 violation
48118 Chelsea [C] — 7 violations
48120 Dearborn [A]
48121 Dearborn [A]
48122 Melvindale [A] — 1 violation
48123 Dearborn [A]
48124 Dearborn [B]
48125 Dearborn Heights [B] — 12 violations
48126 Dearborn [A]
48127 Dearborn Heights [A] — 12 violations
48128 Dearborn [A]
48130 Dexter [C]
48131 Dundee [B] — 1 violation
48133 Erie [D]
48134 Flat Rock [A] — 2 violations
48135 Garden City [C] — 1 violation
48136 Garden City [C] — 1 violation
48137 Gregory [C]
48138 Grosse Ile [C] — 1 violation
48139 Hamburg [D]
48140 Ida [C]
48141 Inkster [C] — 2 violations
48143 Lakeland [D]
48144 Lambertville [C]
48145 La Salle [D]
48146 Lincoln Park [B] — 2 violations
48150 Livonia [B]
48151 Livonia [C]
48152 Livonia [B]
48153 Livonia [C]
48154 Livonia [B]
48157 Luna Pier [D]
48158 Manchester [C]
48159 Maybee [D]
48160 Milan [B] — 1 violation
48161 Monroe [C] — 6 violations
48162 Monroe [C] — 6 violations
48163
48164 New Boston [A]
48165 New Hudson [B] — 1 violation
48166 Newport [C] — 2 violations
48167 Northville [B]
48168 Northville [A]
48169 Pinckney [B]
48170 Plymouth [A] — 4 violations
48173 Rockwood [B]
48174 Romulus [B] — 3 violations
48175 Salem [C]
48176 Saline [C] — 2 violations
48177 Samaria [D]
48178 South Lyon [B] — 3 violations
48179 South Rockwood [B]
48180 Taylor [C] — 6 violations
48182 Temperance [C]
48183 Trenton [A]
48184 Wayne [A] — 6 violations
48185 Westland [A] — 4 violations
48186 Westland [A] — 4 violations
48187 Canton [A]
48188 Canton [A]
48189 Whitmore Lake [C] — 7 violations
48190 Whittaker [C] — 2 violations
48191 Willis [D]
48192 Wyandotte [B] — 1 violation
48193 Riverview [A] — 1 violation
48195 Southgate [A] — 2 violations
48197 Ypsilanti [C] — 5 violations
48198 Ypsilanti [C] — 5 violations
48201 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48202 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48203 Highland Park [A] — 2 violations
48204 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48205 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48206 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48207 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48208 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48209 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48210 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48211 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48212 Hamtramck [B] — 3 violations
48213 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48214 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48215 Detroit [C] — 6 violations
48216 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48217 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48218 River Rouge [B] — 5 violations
48219 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48220 Ferndale [B] — 2 violations
48221 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48222 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48223 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48224 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48225 Harper Woods [B] — 4 violations
48226 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48227 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48228 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48229 Ecorse [A]
48230 Grosse Pointe [A] — 3 violations
48231 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48232 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48233 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48234 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48235 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48236 Grosse Pointe [A] — 3 violations
48237 Oak Park [B]
48238 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48239 Redford [B] — 3 violations
48240 Redford [A] — 3 violations
48242 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48243 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48244 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48255 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48260 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48264 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48265 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48266 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48267 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48268 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48269 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48272 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48275 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48277 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48278 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48279 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48288 Detroit [B] — 6 violations
48301 Bloomfield Hills [B] — 2 violations
48302 Bloomfield Hills [B] — 2 violations
48303 Bloomfield Hills [B] — 2 violations
48304 Bloomfield Hills [B] — 2 violations
48306 Rochester [B]
48307 Rochester [B]
48308 Rochester [B]
48309 Rochester [B]
48310 Sterling Heights [A]
48311 Sterling Heights [A]
48312 Sterling Heights [B]
48313 Sterling Heights [A]
48314 Sterling Heights [A]
48315 Utica [A] — 3 violations
48316 Utica [A] — 3 violations
48317 Utica [A] — 3 violations
48318 Utica [A] — 3 violations
48320 Keego Harbor [B] — 4 violations
48321 Auburn Hills [B] — 4 violations
48322 West Bloomfield [B] — 2 violations
48323 West Bloomfield [B] — 2 violations
48324 West Bloomfield [B] — 2 violations
48325 West Bloomfield [B] — 2 violations
48326 Auburn Hills [B] — 4 violations
48327 Waterford [B] — 4 violations
48328 Waterford [B] — 4 violations
48329 Waterford [B] — 4 violations
48330 Drayton Plains [D]
48331 Farmington [B]
48332 Farmington [B]
48333 Farmington [B]
48334 Farmington [B]
48335 Farmington [B]
48336 Farmington [B]
48340 Pontiac [B]
48341 Pontiac [B]
48342 Pontiac [B]
48343 Pontiac [B]
48346 Clarkston [B] — 1 violation
48347 Clarkston [B] — 1 violation
48348 Clarkston [B] — 1 violation
48350 Davisburg [B]
48353 Hartland [B]
48356 Highland [B] — 4 violations
48357 Highland [B] — 4 violations
48359 Lake Orion [B] — 3 violations
48360 Lake Orion [B] — 3 violations
48361 Lake Orion [B] — 3 violations
48362 Lake Orion [B] — 3 violations
48363 Oakland [D]
48366 Lakeville [D]
48367 Leonard [D]
48370 Oxford [B] — 5 violations
48371 Oxford [B] — 5 violations
48374 Novi [B]
48375 Novi [B]
48376 Novi [B]
48377 Novi [B]
48380 Milford [B] — 6 violations
48381 Milford [B] — 6 violations
48382 Commerce Township [B]
48383 White Lake [B] — 7 violations
48386 White Lake [B] — 7 violations
48387 Union Lake [C]
48390 Walled Lake [B] — 1 violation
48391 Walled Lake [B] — 1 violation
48393 Wixom [B] — 1 violation
48397 Warren [A]
48401 Applegate [B] — 3 violations
48410 Argyle [D]
48411 Atlas [D]
48412 Attica [C] — 6 violations
48413 Bad Axe [A] — 1 violation
48414 Bancroft [B] — 5 violations
48415 Birch Run [A]
48416 Brown City [B] — 2 violations
48417 Burt [A]
48418 Byron [B] — 4 violations
48419 Carsonville [B] — 1 violation
48420 Clio [B] — 4 violations
48421 Columbiaville [B] — 2 violations
48422 Croswell [B] — 2 violations
48423 Davison [B]
48426 Decker [B] — 2 violations
48427 Deckerville [B] — 3 violations
48428 Dryden [B] — 1 violation
48429 Durand [B]
48430 Fenton [B] — 2 violations
48432 Filion [C]
48433 Flushing [B] — 19 violations
48434 Forestville [B]
48435 Fostoria [B]
48436 Gaines [B] — 5 violations
48437 Genesee [B]
48438 Goodrich [C] — 19 violations
48439 Grand Blanc [B] — 4 violations
48440 Hadley [D]
48441 Harbor Beach [A]
48442 Holly [C] — 16 violations
48444 Imlay City [B] — 2 violations
48445 Kinde [C]
48446 Lapeer [B] — 13 violations
48449 Lennon [B] — 1 violation
48450 Lexington [B] — 6 violations
48451 Linden [B] — 18 violations
48453 Marlette [B]
48454 Melvin [C]
48455 Metamora [B]
48456 Minden City [B] — 4 violations
48457 Montrose [B] — 4 violations
48458 Mount Morris [B] — 1 violation
48460 New Lothrop [A] — 2 violations
48461 North Branch [B]
48462 Ortonville [C]
48463 Otisville [B] — 16 violations
48464 Otter Lake [D]
48465 Palms [D]
48466 Peck [B]
48467 Port Austin [A] — 1 violation
48468 Port Hope [A] — 1 violation
48469 Port Sanilac [B] — 4 violations
48470 Ruth [D]
48471 Sandusky [B] — 1 violation
48472 Snover [D]
48473 Swartz Creek [B] — 3 violations
48475 Ubly [A] — 1 violation
48476 Vernon [D]
48480 Grand Blanc [B] — 4 violations

Data Sources

Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
Flood risk: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones

Updated daily.