San Diego Metro Area Home Safety Report
192 ZIP codes · 3,336,004 residents · 70 water systems
Data source: EPA SDWIS, U.S. Census Bureau, FEMA NFIP Last verified: 2026-06-03
Grade Distribution
The San Diego metropolitan area spans California and includes 192 ZIP codes served by 70 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 (72/100)
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 | 51 | 27% |
| B | 21 | 11% |
| C | 113 | 60% |
| D | 1 | 1% |
| F | 2 | 1% |
38% of ZIP codes in the San Diego metro earned an A or B — above-average safety conditions for homebuyers.
Safest Neighborhoods (Top 10 ZIPs)
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 91909 | Chula Vista | 99 | A |
| 2 | 91912 | Chula Vista | 99 | A |
| 3 | 91913 | Chula Vista | 99 | A |
| 4 | 91914 | Chula Vista | 99 | A |
| 5 | 91921 | Chula Vista | 99 | A |
| 6 | 91934 | Jacumba | 99 | A |
| 7 | 91943 | La Mesa | 99 | A |
| 8 | 91944 | La Mesa | 99 | A |
| 9 | 92013 | Carlsbad | 99 | A |
| 10 | 92018 | Carlsbad | 99 | A |
The safest ZIP code is 91909 in Chula Vista 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 | 91931 | Guatay | 33 | F | Lead exceeds EPA limit |
| 2 | 92101 | San Diego | 35 | F | 13 violations |
| 3 | 91962 | Pine Valley | 45 | D | Lead exceeds EPA limit |
| 4 | 92121 | San Diego | 55 | C | 13 violations |
| 5 | 92120 | San Diego | 55 | C | 13 violations |
| 6 | 92113 | San Diego | 55 | C | 13 violations |
| 7 | 92109 | San Diego | 55 | C | 13 violations |
| 8 | 92108 | San Diego | 55 | C | 13 violations |
| 9 | 91990 | Potrero | 55 | C | 20 violations |
| 10 | 91963 | Potrero | 55 | C | 20 violations |
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 | 683 | 96 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 177 | 90 |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 163 | 82 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 99 | 99 |
| Nickel | Inorganic | 96 | 4 |
| Barium | Inorganic | 36 | 2 |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 32 | 5 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 28 | 10 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 5 | 3 |
| Contaminant 4109 | Other | 5 | 1 |
5 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): 0.0080 mg/L (below EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L)
- 2 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
- 7% of housing built before 1950 (highest lead paint risk)
- 18% of housing built before 1970 (lead solder in plumbing)
- 63% 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
- 2,444 FEMA flood insurance claims filed
- 93 ZIP codes with flood claims (48% of metro)
- $18,970 average payout per claim
- $46,362,678 total payouts
Water System Comparison
The San Diego metro is served by 70 community water systems, drawing from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Major water systems include:
- Anza Rv Resort
- Barrett Lake Mh and Rv Llc
- Blythe Mobile Home Estates
- BORREGO WD
- Butterfield Ranch
- Cal-am Water Coronado
- Camp Pendleton (north)
- Camp Pendleton (south)
- Campo Hills-county Public Works Wastewtr
- Carlsbad Desalination Plant
- ...and 60 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 | 1 | 1% |
| Zone 2 | Moderate | 0 | 0% |
| Zone 3 | Low | 187 | 97% |
Is San Diego Safe for Homebuyers?
Positive indicators: above-average metro safety score (B).
Areas of concern: 437 health-based EPA violations on record; 2 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 San Diego metro area?
The San Diego metro area has an average Home Safety Score of 72/100 (grade B). This score is based on EPA violation records, lead testing data, radon risk, and flood exposure across 192 ZIP codes.
How many EPA water violations are in the San Diego area?
There are 1,344 total EPA violations across the San Diego metro, with 437 being health-based violations. 115 out of 192 ZIP codes (60%) have at least one recorded violation.
Is the tap water safe to drink in San Diego?
Water safety varies by ZIP code and water system. 2 ZIP codes in the metro exceed EPA lead action levels. The average lead level is 0.0080 mg/L (EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L). Check your specific ZIP code for a detailed report.
What percentage of homes in San Diego have lead risk?
Approximately 63% of housing in the San Diego metro was built before 1986, when lead pipes were still legal. 7% 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 San Diego metro?
The San Diego metro has recorded 2,444 FEMA flood insurance claims across 93 ZIP codes, with an average payout of $18,970 per claim. Check the FEMA flood map for your specific property.
Cities in the San Diego Metro
- San Diego, CA — 81 ZIP codes
- Chula Vista, CA — 8 ZIP codes
- Escondido, CA — 7 ZIP codes
- Oceanside, CA — 7 ZIP codes
- Carlsbad, CA — 6 ZIP codes
- La Jolla, CA — 5 ZIP codes
- La Mesa, CA — 4 ZIP codes
- Spring Valley, CA — 4 ZIP codes
- El Cajon, CA — 4 ZIP codes
- San Marcos, CA — 4 ZIP codes
- Vista, CA — 4 ZIP codes
- Alpine, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- Bonita, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- Imperial Beach, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- Lemon Grove, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- National City, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- Potrero, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- Tecate, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- Encinitas, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- Fallbrook, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- Poway, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- Rancho Santa Fe, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- Santee, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- Coronado, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- San Ysidro, CA — 2 ZIP codes
- Boulevard, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Campo, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Descanso, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Dulzura, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Guatay, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Jacumba, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Jamul, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Mount Laguna, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Pine Valley, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Bonsall, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Borrego Springs, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Cardiff By The Sea, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Del Mar, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Julian, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Lakeside, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Camp Pendleton, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Pala, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Palomar Mountain, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Pauma Valley, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Ramona, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Ranchita, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- San Luis Rey, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Santa Ysabel, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Solana Beach, CA — 1 ZIP codes
- Valley Center, CA — 1 ZIP codes
...and 1 more cities. Browse all via city directory.
All 192 ZIP Codes
View all ZIP codes in the San Diego metro
- 91901 Alpine [C] — 11 violations
- 91902 Bonita [C] — 9 violations
- 91903 Alpine [C] — 11 violations
- 91905 Boulevard [C]
- 91906 Campo [B] — 3 violations
- 91908 Bonita [B] — 9 violations
- 91909 Chula Vista [A]
- 91910 Chula Vista [A]
- 91911 Chula Vista [A]
- 91912 Chula Vista [A]
- 91913 Chula Vista [A]
- 91914 Chula Vista [A]
- 91915 Chula Vista [A]
- 91916 Descanso [C]
- 91917 Dulzura [B]
- 91921 Chula Vista [A]
- 91931 Guatay [F] — 14 violations
- 91932 Imperial Beach [A] — 1 violation
- 91933 Imperial Beach [A] — 1 violation
- 91934 Jacumba [A]
- 91935 Jamul [C] — 10 violations
- 91941 La Mesa [A]
- 91942 La Mesa [A]
- 91943 La Mesa [A]
- 91944 La Mesa [A]
- 91945 Lemon Grove [B]
- 91946 Lemon Grove [B]
- 91948 Mount Laguna [C]
- 91950 National City [C]
- 91951 National City [C]
- 91962 Pine Valley [D] — 12 violations
- 91963 Potrero [C] — 20 violations
- 91976 Spring Valley [A] — 1 violation
- 91977 Spring Valley [B] — 1 violation
- 91978 Spring Valley [A] — 1 violation
- 91979 Spring Valley [A] — 1 violation
- 91980 Tecate [C]
- 91987 Tecate [C]
- 91990 Potrero [C] — 20 violations
- 92002
- 92003 Bonsall [B]
- 92004 Borrego Springs [B] — 2 violations
- 92007 Cardiff By The Sea [C]
- 92008 Carlsbad [A]
- 92009 Carlsbad [A]
- 92010 Carlsbad [A]
- 92011 Carlsbad [A]
- 92013 Carlsbad [A]
- 92014 Del Mar [B] — 1 violation
- 92018 Carlsbad [A]
- 92019 El Cajon [C]
- 92020 El Cajon [C]
- 92021 El Cajon [C]
- 92022 El Cajon [C]
- 92023 Encinitas [A] — 1 violation
- 92024 Encinitas [A] — 1 violation
- 92025 Escondido [A]
- 92026 Escondido [A]
- 92027 Escondido [A]
- 92028 Fallbrook [A]
- 92029 Escondido [A]
- 92030 Escondido [A]
- 92032
- 92033 Escondido [A]
- 92036 Julian [C] — 10 violations
- 92037 La Jolla [C]
- 92038 La Jolla [B]
- 92039 La Jolla [C]
- 92040 Lakeside [B] — 2 violations
- 92046 Escondido [A]
- 92049 Oceanside [A]
- 92051 Oceanside [A]
- 92052 Oceanside [A]
- 92054 Oceanside [B]
- 92055 Camp Pendleton [A] — 1 violation
- 92056 Oceanside [B]
- 92057 Oceanside [B]
- 92058 Oceanside [B]
- 92059 Pala [C]
- 92060 Palomar Mountain [A] — 2 violations
- 92061 Pauma Valley [A] — 2 violations
- 92064 Poway [A]
- 92065 Ramona [B] — 18 violations
- 92066 Ranchita [C]
- 92067 Rancho Santa Fe [A]
- 92068 San Luis Rey [C]
- 92069 San Marcos [C] — 28 violations
- 92070 Santa Ysabel [A] — 3 violations
- 92071 Santee [B] — 5 violations
- 92072 Santee [B] — 5 violations
- 92074 Poway [A]
- 92075 Solana Beach [C]
- 92077
- 92078 San Marcos [B] — 28 violations
- 92079 San Marcos [C] — 28 violations
- 92081 Vista [A]
- 92082 Valley Center [A]
- 92083 Vista [A]
- 92084 Vista [A]
- 92085 Vista [A]
- 92086 Warner Springs [B] — 1 violation
- 92088 Fallbrook [A]
- 92091 Rancho Santa Fe [A]
- 92092 La Jolla [C]
- 92093 La Jolla [C]
- 92096 San Marcos [C] — 28 violations
- 92100
- 92101 San Diego [F] — 13 violations
- 92102 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92103 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92104 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92105 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92106 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92107 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92108 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92109 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92110 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92111 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92112 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92113 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92114 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92115 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92116 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92117 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92118 Coronado [C]
- 92119 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92120 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92121 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92122 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92123 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92124 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92126 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92127 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92128 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92129 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92130 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92131 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92132 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92133 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92134 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92135 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92136 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92137 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92138 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92139 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92140 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92142 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92143 San Ysidro [C]
- 92145 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92147 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92149 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92150 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92152 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92153 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92154 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92155 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92158 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92159 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92160 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92161 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92162 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92163 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92164 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92165 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92166 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92167 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92168 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92169 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92170 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92171 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92172 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92173 San Ysidro [C]
- 92174 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92175 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92176 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92177 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92178 Coronado [B]
- 92179 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92182 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92184 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92186 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92187 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92190 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92191 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92192 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92193 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92194 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92195 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92196 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92197 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92198 San Diego [C] — 13 violations
- 92199 San Diego [C] — 13 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water quality safety grade for the San Diego metro area?
The San Diego metro area has an average Home Safety Score of 72/100 (grade B). This score is based on EPA violation records, lead testing data, radon risk, and flood exposure across 192 ZIP codes.
How many EPA water violations are in the San Diego area?
There are 1,344 total EPA violations across the San Diego metro, with 437 being health-based violations. 115 out of 192 ZIP codes (60%) have at least one recorded violation.
Is the tap water safe to drink in San Diego?
Water safety varies by ZIP code and water system. 2 ZIP codes in the metro exceed EPA lead action levels. The average lead level is 0.0080 mg/L (EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L). Check your specific ZIP code for a detailed report.
What percentage of homes in San Diego have lead risk?
Approximately 63% of housing in the San Diego metro was built before 1986, when lead pipes were still legal. 7% 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 San Diego metro?
The San Diego metro has recorded 2,444 FEMA flood insurance claims across 93 ZIP codes, with an average payout of $18,970 per claim. Check the FEMA flood map for your specific property.