2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Arizona — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

553 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 85533 (Clifton, AZ) - 63/100

Out of 553 ZIP codes with data in Arizona, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All Arizona Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 553
Highest value 63/100
Median value 39/100
State Arizona

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 85533 Clifton AZ 63/100 49/100
2 85352 Tacna AZ 57/100 58/100
3 85135 Hayden AZ 56/100 48/100
4 85328 Cibola AZ 56/100 58/100
5 85534 Duncan AZ 56/100 74/100
6 85632 San Simon AZ 54/100 58/100
7 85707 Tucson AZ 54/100 50/100
8 85018 Phoenix AZ 53/100 48/100
9 86029 Sun Valley AZ 53/100 69/100
10 85031 Phoenix AZ 52/100 48/100
11 85324 Black Canyon City AZ 52/100 58/100
12 85723 Tucson AZ 52/100 50/100
13 85734 Tucson AZ 52/100 50/100
14 85007 Phoenix AZ 51/100 53/100
15 85013 Phoenix AZ 51/100 48/100
16 85015 Phoenix AZ 51/100 48/100
17 85017 Phoenix AZ 51/100 53/100
18 85019 Phoenix AZ 51/100 53/100
19 85621 Nogales AZ 51/100 63/100
20 85705 Tucson AZ 51/100 53/100
21 86047 Winslow AZ 51/100 70/100
22 86313 Prescott AZ 51/100 27/100
23 85008 Phoenix AZ 50/100 48/100
24 85009 Phoenix AZ 50/100 53/100

Methodology

The Home Purchase Risk Score combines area indicators that may lead to added costs for homebuyers: water system violation records, lead service line indicators, county radon potential, flood zones and housing age. An indicator does not mean a home needs filtration, mitigation, insurance or upgrades; a home test or inspection decides that. These are factors that standard home inspections may not fully capture.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-04-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Home Purchase Risk Score?

This score (0-100) estimates the hidden environmental costs a homebuyer may face: water filtration needs, lead pipe replacement, radon mitigation, flood insurance, and infrastructure upgrades. Higher scores mean more potential unexpected expenses after purchase.

What should homebuyers do in high-risk ZIP codes?

Request a water quality test, check for lead service lines with the utility, test for radon before closing, verify FEMA flood zone designation, and factor in potential remediation costs ($5,000-$30,000+) to your budget.

Explore More Rankings

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


Related Rankings

Water Safety 2026 EPA violations and water quality scores Lead Risk 2026 Lead service-line indicators and system-level action-level exceedances Infrastructure 2026 Aging pipes, system age and remediation costs
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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