2026 Rankings

Highest Remediation Burden: Texas — 2026

Last updated: June 4, 2026

1,568 ZIP codes ranked by Remediation Burden #1: ZIP 79718 (Balmorhea, TX) — $7,180

Out of 1,568 ZIP codes with data in Texas, these are the areas where estimated safety remediation costs represent the largest share of median home value. See also: National Rankings | All Texas Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 1,568
Highest burden 12.1% of median home value
Median burden 0.9% of median home value
Median estimated cost $1,800
State Texas

Top 100 Highest Remediation Burden ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Est. Cost Median Home Value Burden %
1 79718 Balmorhea TX $7,180 $59,500 12.1%
2 76470 Ranger TX $6,900 $64,000 10.8%
3 76834 Coleman TX $7,160 $87,600 8.2%
4 79545 Roscoe TX $7,440 $100,600 7.4%
5 76363 Goree TX $1,800 $25,300 7.1%
6 78594 Sebastian TX $2,600 $37,900 6.9%
7 79061 Mobeetie TX $4,980 $96,900 5.1%
8 77619 Groves TX $7,840 $153,800 5.1%
9 79018 Channing TX $4,660 $91,300 5.1%
10 79087 Texline TX $5,020 $101,800 4.9%
11 76483 Throckmorton TX $3,600 $73,600 4.9%
12 76661 Marlin TX $2,400 $52,100 4.6%
13 77629 Nome TX $7,300 $170,500 4.3%
14 79565 Westbrook TX $4,440 $107,500 4.1%
15 78580 Raymondville TX $2,300 $56,200 4.1%
16 79851 Sierra Blanca TX $2,900 $71,500 4.1%
17 79520 Hamlin TX $2,800 $72,700 3.9%
18 79855 Van Horn TX $3,200 $84,500 3.8%
19 78549 Hargill TX $2,300 $62,700 3.7%
20 78596 Weslaco TX $3,400 $92,800 3.7%
21 76857 May TX $4,700 $130,900 3.6%
22 78593 Santa Rosa TX $2,400 $66,900 3.6%
23 78535 Combes TX $2,400 $67,900 3.5%
24 79415 Lubbock TX $3,300 $94,000 3.5%
25 78570 Mercedes TX $2,900 $83,400 3.5%
26 78584 Roma TX $2,900 $83,800 3.5%
27 77642 Port Arthur TX $3,300 $96,100 3.4%
28 79546 Rotan TX $2,300 $67,700 3.4%
29 79107 Amarillo TX $3,000 $88,400 3.4%
30 79502 Aspermont TX $1,800 $54,100 3.3%
31 78012 Christine TX $3,000 $90,800 3.3%
32 78558 La Blanca TX $1,800 $54,900 3.3%
33 79339 Littlefield TX $2,500 $76,500 3.3%
34 79401 Lubbock TX $3,300 $101,500 3.3%
35 79403 Lubbock TX $2,700 $83,100 3.3%
36 76301 Wichita Falls TX $2,300 $71,900 3.2%
37 79411 Lubbock TX $2,700 $85,000 3.2%
38 78389 Skidmore TX $1,800 $56,700 3.2%
39 79404 Lubbock TX $2,700 $86,300 3.1%
40 76903 San Angelo TX $3,600 $115,900 3.1%
41 75928 Bon Wier TX $2,100 $67,700 3.1%
42 78040 Laredo TX $3,600 $116,500 3.1%
43 77701 Beaumont TX $2,400 $79,000 3.0%
44 78384 San Diego TX $1,800 $59,400 3.0%
45 78226 San Antonio TX $3,300 $109,300 3.0%
46 78401 Corpus Christi TX $2,300 $76,100 3.0%
47 75972 San Augustine TX $2,300 $76,700 3.0%
48 78211 San Antonio TX $3,300 $110,200 3.0%
49 78834 Carrizo Springs TX $2,100 $70,300 3.0%
50 76541 Killeen TX $2,900 $97,500 3.0%
51 75932 Burkeville TX $2,100 $71,000 3.0%
52 77705 Beaumont TX $3,600 $121,900 2.9%
53 75472 Point TX $4,380 $150,700 2.9%
54 76454 Gorman TX $2,400 $82,700 2.9%
55 77662 Vidor TX $3,600 $124,800 2.9%
56 78586 San Benito TX $2,400 $83,200 2.9%
57 79024 Darrouzett TX $3,200 $111,200 2.9%
58 75572 Queen City TX $3,060 $107,000 2.9%
59 75949 Huntington TX $2,900 $105,900 2.7%
60 79313 Anton TX $1,900 $69,700 2.7%
61 76475 Strawn TX $3,100 $114,500 2.7%
62 78159 Smiley TX $2,000 $73,900 2.7%
63 78214 San Antonio TX $3,300 $121,600 2.7%
64 78559 La Feria TX $2,700 $99,900 2.7%
65 79553 Stamford TX $1,800 $66,800 2.7%
66 76093 Rio Vista TX $3,300 $123,100 2.7%
67 77640 Port Arthur TX $2,600 $97,200 2.7%
68 78405 Corpus Christi TX $2,000 $75,300 2.7%
69 78595 Sullivan City TX $2,300 $86,400 2.7%
70 75661 Karnack TX $2,900 $110,400 2.6%
71 78368 Mathis TX $2,300 $87,300 2.6%
72 78538 Edcouch TX $2,300 $87,300 2.6%
73 77651 Port Neches TX $6,000 $231,000 2.6%
74 79345 Meadow TX $1,800 $69,300 2.6%
75 78076 Zapata TX $2,300 $89,600 2.6%
76 78576 Penitas TX $3,000 $116,600 2.6%
77 78881 Sabinal TX $2,100 $81,700 2.6%
78 77612 Buna TX $2,800 $109,200 2.6%
79 79838 Fabens TX $2,300 $89,700 2.6%
80 78582 Rio Grande City TX $2,600 $102,000 2.5%
81 75708 Tyler TX $3,300 $131,100 2.5%
82 75944 Etoile TX $1,800 $71,700 2.5%
83 77026 Houston TX $2,600 $104,800 2.5%
84 79079 Shamrock TX $2,100 $84,800 2.5%
85 77547 Galena Park TX $2,700 $109,100 2.5%
86 78408 Corpus Christi TX $2,000 $82,300 2.4%
87 78537 Donna TX $1,800 $74,700 2.4%
88 77028 Houston TX $2,600 $108,200 2.4%
89 76372 Newcastle TX $2,000 $84,000 2.4%
90 75979 Woodville TX $2,900 $122,600 2.4%
91 78225 San Antonio TX $2,600 $110,600 2.4%
92 78332 Alice TX $2,300 $97,900 2.4%
93 77016 Houston TX $2,600 $111,900 2.3%
94 79373 Tahoka TX $2,800 $121,300 2.3%
95 79412 Lubbock TX $2,700 $117,200 2.3%
96 79845 Presidio TX $1,900 $82,700 2.3%
97 75670 Marshall TX $2,300 $100,300 2.3%
98 78548 Grulla TX $1,200 $52,300 2.3%
99 77060 Houston TX $3,300 $144,900 2.3%
100 79065 Pampa TX $2,400 $105,400 2.3%

Methodology

The remediation burden ratio is calculated as: estimated remediation cost / median home value. Remediation costs are the sum of applicable safety measures for each ZIP code based on EPA, FEMA, and state data:

  • Lead service line replacement — where lead exposure risk is elevated (based on housing age, water system data, and EPA sampling)
  • Radon mitigation system — in EPA Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas with predicted indoor radon above 4 pCi/L
  • Whole-home water filtration — where contaminant levels exceed EPA guidelines
  • Flood insurance — in FEMA-designated flood zones with claim history
  • PFAS treatment — where PFAS detections have been reported

Median home values are from U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS) estimates. Cost estimates use national average ranges from EPA, HUD, and industry data. Individual home costs may vary significantly based on specific conditions.

Last updated: 2026-06-04.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "remediation cost relative to home value" mean?

This ratio compares the estimated cost of addressing safety issues (lead pipes, radon mitigation, water filtration, flood insurance) to the median home value in that ZIP code. A ratio of 10% means remediation could cost roughly one-tenth of a typical home's value — a significant financial burden.

How are remediation costs estimated?

Costs are based on national averages for common remediation projects: lead service line replacement ($4,700-$12,000), radon mitigation ($800-$2,500), whole-home water filtration ($1,500-$4,000), and flood insurance premiums. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.

Why does this matter for homebuyers?

In areas with high remediation burden, the cost of making a home safe can represent a large portion of the home's value. This is especially impactful in lower-value housing markets where a $15,000 remediation bill represents 10-30% of the home price. Standard home inspections may not identify all these issues.

Does a high ratio mean the home is unsafe?

Not necessarily. The ratio reflects potential costs based on area-level environmental data — not every home in the ZIP code will need all remediation work. However, it indicates elevated risk factors that buyers should investigate before purchasing.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →


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Lead Risk 2026 Old pipes are the primary lead source Water Safety 2026 Infrastructure age affects water quality Home Safety 2026 Infrastructure in overall safety score
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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