Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro Area Home Safety Report
324 ZIP codes · 1,593,845 residents · 200 water systems
Data source: EPA SDWIS, U.S. Census Bureau, FEMA NFIP Last verified: 2026-06-03
Grade Distribution
The Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area spans Minnesota, Wisconsin and includes 324 ZIP codes served by 200 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: C (62/100)
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 | 0 | 0% |
| B | 56 | 17% |
| C | 196 | 61% |
| D | 66 | 21% |
| F | 3 | 1% |
21% of ZIP codes scored D or F, indicating widespread safety concerns homebuyers should investigate before purchasing.
Safest Neighborhoods (Top 10 ZIPs)
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 55006 | Braham | 83 | B |
| 2 | 55008 | Cambridge | 83 | B |
| 3 | 55012 | Center City | 83 | B |
| 4 | 55014 | Circle Pines | 83 | B |
| 5 | 55038 | Hugo | 83 | B |
| 6 | 55056 | North Branch | 83 | B |
| 7 | 55072 | Sandstone | 83 | B |
| 8 | 55078 | Stacy | 83 | B |
| 9 | 55079 | Stacy | 83 | B |
| 10 | 55084 | Taylors Falls | 83 | B |
The safest ZIP code is 55006 in Braham with a score of 83/100. 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 | 55575 | Howard Lake | 33 | F | High radon zone |
| 2 | 55349 | Howard Lake | 33 | F | High radon zone |
| 3 | 55335 | Gibbon | 33 | F | 15 violations |
| 4 | 55594 | Young America | 40 | D | High radon zone |
| 5 | 55583 | Norwood | 40 | D | High radon zone |
| 6 | 55577 | Rockford | 40 | D | High radon zone |
| 7 | 55573 | Young America | 40 | D | High radon zone |
| 8 | 55572 | Rockford | 40 | D | High radon zone |
| 9 | 55568 | Young America | 40 | D | High radon zone |
| 10 | 55558 | Young America | 40 | D | High radon zone |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 90 | 35 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 77 | 74 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 49 | 38 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 21 | 20 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 16 | 16 |
| Barium | Inorganic | 15 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 12 | 10 |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 11 | 7 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 7 | 6 |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 4 | 4 |
3 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): 0.0024 mg/L (below EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
- 18% of housing built before 1950 (highest lead paint risk)
- 27% of housing built before 1970 (lead solder in plumbing)
- 59% 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
- 2,589 FEMA flood insurance claims filed
- 189 ZIP codes with flood claims (58% of metro)
- $10,867 average payout per claim
- $28,133,539 total payouts
Water System Comparison
The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro is served by 200 community water systems, drawing from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Major water systems include:
- Andover
- Annandale
- Anoka
- Arlington
- Baldwin Lake Estates
- Bar None Ranch
- Bavaria Woods
- Bayport
- Becker
- Belle Plaine
- ...and 190 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 | 253 | 78% |
| Zone 2 | Moderate | 68 | 21% |
| Zone 3 | Low | 0 | 0% |
A significant portion of the Twin Cities metro falls in EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 be tested for radon — a $150-200 test that could prevent long-term health issues.
Is Minneapolis-St. Paul Safe for Homebuyers?
Positive indicators: no ZIP codes exceed EPA lead action level.
Areas of concern: 50 health-based EPA violations on record; significant radon exposure in 78% of ZIP codes.
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 Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area?
The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area has an average Home Safety Score of 62/100 (grade C). This score is based on EPA violation records, lead testing data, radon risk, and flood exposure across 324 ZIP codes.
How many EPA water violations are in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area?
There are 309 total EPA violations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro, with 50 being health-based violations. 139 out of 324 ZIP codes (43%) have at least one recorded violation.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Minneapolis-St. Paul?
Water safety varies by ZIP code and water system. No ZIP codes currently exceed EPA lead action levels. The average lead level is 0.0024 mg/L (EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L). Check your specific ZIP code for a detailed report.
What percentage of homes in Minneapolis-St. Paul have lead risk?
Approximately 59% of housing in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro was built before 1986, when lead pipes were still legal. 18% 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 Minneapolis-St. Paul metro?
The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro has recorded 2,589 FEMA flood insurance claims across 189 ZIP codes, with an average payout of $10,867 per claim. Check the FEMA flood map for your specific property.
Cities in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro
- Minneapolis, MN — 69 ZIP codes
- Saint Paul, MN — 42 ZIP codes
- Monticello, MN — 16 ZIP codes
- Maple Plain, MN — 11 ZIP codes
- Young America, MN — 8 ZIP codes
- Loretto, MN — 6 ZIP codes
- Osseo, MN — 3 ZIP codes
- Eden Prairie, MN — 3 ZIP codes
- Rockford, MN — 3 ZIP codes
- Norwood, MN — 3 ZIP codes
- Elko New Market, MN — 2 ZIP codes
- Inver Grove Heights, MN — 2 ZIP codes
- Stacy, MN — 2 ZIP codes
- Stillwater, MN — 2 ZIP codes
- Hopkins, MN — 2 ZIP codes
- Burnsville, MN — 2 ZIP codes
- Howard Lake, MN — 2 ZIP codes
- Afton, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Almelund, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Bayport, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Bethel, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Braham, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Brook Park, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Cambridge, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Cannon Falls, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Castle Rock, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Cedar, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Center City, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Chisago City, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Circle Pines, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Cottage Grove, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Dalbo, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Dennison, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Dundas, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Faribault, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Farmington, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Forest Lake, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Frontenac, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Goodhue, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Grandy, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Grasston, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Hampton, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Harris, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Hastings, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Henriette, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Hinckley, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Hugo, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Isanti, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Lake City, MN — 1 ZIP codes
- Lake Elmo, MN — 1 ZIP codes
...and 110 more cities. Browse all via city directory.
All 324 ZIP Codes
View all ZIP codes in the Twin Cities metro
- 55001 Afton [D]
- 55002 Almelund [D]
- 55003 Bayport [D] — 1 violation
- 55004
- 55005 Bethel [C]
- 55006 Braham [B]
- 55007 Brook Park [C] — 2 violations
- 55008 Cambridge [B]
- 55009 Cannon Falls [C]
- 55010 Castle Rock [D]
- 55011 Cedar [B]
- 55012 Center City [B] — 1 violation
- 55013 Chisago City [B]
- 55014 Circle Pines [B]
- 55016 Cottage Grove [B] — 1 violation
- 55017 Dalbo [D]
- 55018 Dennison [C] — 3 violations
- 55019 Dundas [C] — 4 violations
- 55020 Elko New Market [D]
- 55021 Faribault [C] — 2 violations
- 55024 Farmington [C]
- 55025 Forest Lake [B] — 1 violation
- 55026 Frontenac [D]
- 55027 Goodhue [C]
- 55029 Grandy [D]
- 55030 Grasston [B]
- 55031 Hampton [C]
- 55032 Harris [B]
- 55033 Hastings [C] — 1 violation
- 55036 Henriette [D]
- 55037 Hinckley [B]
- 55038 Hugo [B]
- 55040 Isanti [B]
- 55041 Lake City [C]
- 55042 Lake Elmo [C] — 1 violation
- 55043 Lakeland [C] — 1 violation
- 55044 Lakeville [C] — 4 violations
- 55045 Lindstrom [B] — 5 violations
- 55046 Lonsdale [C]
- 55047 Marine On Saint Croix [C]
- 55049 Medford [B]
- 55051 Mora [C] — 1 violation
- 55052 Morristown [C] — 4 violations
- 55053 Nerstrand [C]
- 55054 Elko New Market [D]
- 55055 Newport [C]
- 55056 North Branch [B]
- 55057 Northfield [C] — 2 violations
- 55060 Owatonna [C]
- 55063 Pine City [B] — 2 violations
- 55065 Randolph [D] — 9 violations
- 55066 Red Wing [C]
- 55067 Rock Creek [D]
- 55068 Rosemount [B] — 1 violation
- 55069 Rush City [B] — 5 violations
- 55070 Saint Francis [D]
- 55071 Saint Paul Park [C]
- 55072 Sandstone [B]
- 55073 Scandia [C] — 11 violations
- 55074 Shafer [B] — 1 violation
- 55075 South Saint Paul [D]
- 55076 Inver Grove Heights [C] — 4 violations
- 55077 Inver Grove Heights [C] — 4 violations
- 55078 Stacy [B]
- 55079 Stacy [B]
- 55080 Stanchfield [D]
- 55082 Stillwater [C] — 2 violations
- 55083 Stillwater [C] — 2 violations
- 55084 Taylors Falls [B]
- 55085 Vermillion [C]
- 55087 Warsaw [C] — 12 violations
- 55088 Webster [C] — 1 violation
- 55089 Welch [D]
- 55090 Willernie [D] — 1 violation
- 55092 Wyoming [B] — 1 violation
- 55101 Saint Paul [C]
- 55102 Saint Paul [C]
- 55103 Saint Paul [C]
- 55104 Saint Paul [C]
- 55105 Saint Paul [C]
- 55106 Saint Paul [C]
- 55107 Saint Paul [D]
- 55108 Saint Paul [C]
- 55109 Saint Paul [C]
- 55110 Saint Paul [D]
- 55111 Saint Paul [D]
- 55112 Saint Paul [C]
- 55113 Saint Paul [C]
- 55114 Saint Paul [C]
- 55115 Saint Paul [D]
- 55116 Saint Paul [C]
- 55117 Saint Paul [C]
- 55118 Saint Paul [D]
- 55119 Saint Paul [D]
- 55120 Saint Paul [D]
- 55121 Saint Paul [D]
- 55122 Saint Paul [D]
- 55123 Saint Paul [D]
- 55124 Saint Paul [D]
- 55125 Saint Paul [D]
- 55126 Saint Paul [C]
- 55127 Saint Paul [C]
- 55128 Saint Paul [D]
- 55129 Saint Paul [D]
- 55130 Saint Paul [D]
- 55133 Saint Paul [D]
- 55144 Saint Paul [D]
- 55145 Saint Paul [D]
- 55146 Saint Paul [D]
- 55150 Mendota [C]
- 55155 Saint Paul [D]
- 55164 Saint Paul [D]
- 55165 Saint Paul [D]
- 55170 Saint Paul [D]
- 55172 Saint Paul [D]
- 55175 Saint Paul [D]
- 55187 Saint Paul [D]
- 55188 Saint Paul [D]
- 55300
- 55301 Albertville [C]
- 55302 Annandale [C]
- 55303 Anoka [B]
- 55304 Andover [B]
- 55305 Hopkins [C]
- 55306 Burnsville [B]
- 55307 Arlington [C] — 1 violation
- 55308 Becker [C] — 1 violation
- 55309 Big Lake [B]
- 55310 Bird Island [C]
- 55311 Osseo [B]
- 55312 Brownton [B]
- 55313 Buffalo [C]
- 55314 Buffalo Lake [C] — 1 violation
- 55315 Carver [C]
- 55316 Champlin [C]
- 55317 Chanhassen [C] — 1 violation
- 55318 Chaska [C] — 1 violation
- 55319 Clear Lake [C] — 2 violations
- 55320 Clearwater [C]
- 55321 Cokato [B]
- 55322 Cologne [C]
- 55323 Crystal Bay [D] — 4 violations
- 55324 Darwin [C] — 1 violation
- 55325 Dassel [C]
- 55327 Dayton [B]
- 55328 Delano [C]
- 55329 Eden Valley [B]
- 55330 Elk River [C]
- 55331 Excelsior [C]
- 55332 Fairfax [C] — 4 violations
- 55333 Franklin [C]
- 55334 Gaylord [C]
- 55335 Gibbon [F] — 15 violations
- 55336 Glencoe [B]
- 55337 Burnsville [C]
- 55338 Green Isle [B]
- 55339 Hamburg [C]
- 55340 Hamel [C]
- 55341 Hanover [D]
- 55342 Hector [B]
- 55343 Hopkins [C]
- 55344 Eden Prairie [B]
- 55345 Minnetonka [B]
- 55346 Eden Prairie [B]
- 55347 Eden Prairie [B]
- 55348 Maple Plain [C]
- 55349 Howard Lake [F] — 1 violation
- 55350 Hutchinson [B]
- 55352 Jordan [C] — 1 violation
- 55353 Kimball [C]
- 55354 Lester Prairie [B]
- 55355 Litchfield [B]
- 55356 Long Lake [C]
- 55357 Loretto [C]
- 55358 Maple Lake [B]
- 55359 Maple Plain [B]
- 55360 Mayer [C] — 1 violation
- 55361 Minnetonka Beach [C]
- 55362 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55363 Montrose [C]
- 55364 Mound [C]
- 55365 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55366 New Auburn [C]
- 55367 New Germany [C]
- 55368 Norwood Young America [C] — 1 violation
- 55369 Osseo [B]
- 55370 Plato [C]
- 55371 Princeton [B] — 1 violation
- 55372 Prior Lake [C]
- 55373 Rockford [D]
- 55374 Rogers [B]
- 55375 Saint Bonifacius [D]
- 55376 Saint Michael [D]
- 55377 Santiago [D]
- 55378 Savage [C] — 1 violation
- 55379 Shakopee [C] — 2 violations
- 55380 Silver Creek [D]
- 55381 Silver Lake [C]
- 55382 South Haven [C] — 4 violations
- 55383 Norwood [D]
- 55384 Spring Park [C]
- 55385 Stewart [D] — 4 violations
- 55386 Victoria [C] — 2 violations
- 55387 Waconia [C]
- 55388 Watertown [B] — 1 violation
- 55389 Watkins [C]
- 55390 Waverly [C]
- 55391 Wayzata [C]
- 55392 Navarre [D]
- 55393 Maple Plain [C]
- 55395 Winsted [C] — 1 violation
- 55396 Winthrop [C] — 2 violations
- 55397 Young America [D]
- 55398 Zimmerman [B]
- 55401 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55402 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55403 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55404 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55405 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55406 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55407 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55408 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55409 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55410 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55411 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55412 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55413 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55414 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55415 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55416 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55417 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55418 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55419 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55420 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55421 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55422 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55423 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55424 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55425 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55426 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55427 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55428 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55429 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55430 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55431 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55432 Minneapolis [B] — 1 violation
- 55433 Minneapolis [B] — 1 violation
- 55434 Minneapolis [B] — 1 violation
- 55435 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55436 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55437 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55438 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55439 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55440 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55441 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55442 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55443 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55444 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55445 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55446 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55447 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55448 Minneapolis [B] — 1 violation
- 55449 Minneapolis [B] — 1 violation
- 55450 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55454 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55455 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55458 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55459 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55460 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55467 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55470 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55472 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55473 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55474 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55478 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55479 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55480 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55483 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55484 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55485 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55486 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55487 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55488 Minneapolis [C] — 1 violation
- 55501
- 55550 Young America [D]
- 55551 Young America [D]
- 55553 Young America [D]
- 55554 Norwood [D]
- 55558 Young America [D]
- 55561 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55563 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55565 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55568 Young America [D]
- 55569 Osseo [C]
- 55570 Maple Plain [C]
- 55571 Maple Plain [C]
- 55572 Rockford [D]
- 55573 Young America [D]
- 55574 Maple Plain [C]
- 55575 Howard Lake [F] — 1 violation
- 55576 Maple Plain [C]
- 55577 Rockford [D]
- 55578 Maple Plain [C]
- 55579 Maple Plain [C]
- 55580 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55581 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55582 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55583 Norwood [D]
- 55584 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55585 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55586 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55587 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55588 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55589 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55590 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55591 Monticello [C] — 6 violations
- 55592 Maple Plain [C]
- 55593 Maple Plain [C]
- 55594 Young America [D]
- 55595 Loretto [C]
- 55596 Loretto [C]
- 55597 Loretto [C]
- 55598 Loretto [C]
- 55599 Loretto [C]
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water quality safety grade for the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area?
The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area has an average Home Safety Score of 62/100 (grade C). This score is based on EPA violation records, lead testing data, radon risk, and flood exposure across 324 ZIP codes.
How many EPA water violations are in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area?
There are 309 total EPA violations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro, with 50 being health-based violations. 139 out of 324 ZIP codes (43%) have at least one recorded violation.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Minneapolis-St. Paul?
Water safety varies by ZIP code and water system. No ZIP codes currently exceed EPA lead action levels. The average lead level is 0.0024 mg/L (EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L). Check your specific ZIP code for a detailed report.
What percentage of homes in Minneapolis-St. Paul have lead risk?
Approximately 59% of housing in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro was built before 1986, when lead pipes were still legal. 18% 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 Minneapolis-St. Paul metro?
The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro has recorded 2,589 FEMA flood insurance claims across 189 ZIP codes, with an average payout of $10,867 per claim. Check the FEMA flood map for your specific property.