2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in California — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

2,630 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 93244 (Lemon Cove, CA) - 72/100
Lead Violations Lowest Score Safest Flood Risk Energy Cost Radon PFAS Reliability EJ Index Homebuyer Risk CO & Gas Safest Gas Remediation Burden Unresolved Violations (by Utility) Water Equity (by Utility)

Out of 2,630 ZIP codes with data in California, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All California Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 2,630
Highest value 72/100
Median value 31/100
State California

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 93244 Lemon Cove CA 72/100 41/100
2 95690 Walnut Grove CA 72/100 75/100
3 92339 Forest Falls CA 70/100 45/100
4 95018 Felton CA 69/100 55/100
5 92113 San Diego CA 67/100 55/100
6 95548 Klamath CA 67/100 79/100
7 93001 Ventura CA 66/100 48/100
8 93247 Lindsay CA 64/100 28/100
9 94104 San Francisco CA 63/100 59/100
10 95653 Madison CA 63/100 73/100
11 92266 Palo Verde CA 62/100 80/100
12 93283 Weldon CA 62/100 55/100
13 95554 Myers Flat CA 62/100 86/100
14 95720 Kyburz CA 62/100 50/100
15 95984 Twain CA 62/100 75/100
16 95986 Washington CA 62/100 54/100
17 93240 Lake Isabella CA 61/100 59/100
18 95202 Stockton CA 61/100 77/100
19 93267 Strathmore CA 60/100 39/100
20 93644 Oakhurst CA 60/100 57/100
21 93666 Sultana CA 60/100 64/100
22 94060 Pescadero CA 60/100 63/100
23 95313 Crows Landing CA 60/100 74/100
24 95641 Isleton CA 60/100 80/100
25 91436 Encino CA 59/100 18/100
26 93265 Springville CA 59/100 65/100
27 95936 Downieville CA 59/100 78/100
28 91316 Encino CA 58/100 23/100
29 93285 Wofford Heights CA 58/100 58/100
30 93301 Bakersfield CA 57/100 71/100
31 94111 San Francisco CA 57/100 54/100
32 95698 Zamora CA 57/100 86/100
33 92121 San Diego CA 56/100 55/100
34 93023 Ojai CA 56/100 52/100
35 93243 Lebec CA 56/100 58/100
36 93532 Lake Hughes CA 56/100 53/100
37 93643 North Fork CA 56/100 50/100
38 93701 Fresno CA 56/100 75/100
39 94108 San Francisco CA 56/100 59/100
40 95436 Forestville CA 56/100 64/100
41 95950 Grimes CA 56/100 58/100
42 90013 Los Angeles CA 55/100 79/100
43 93205 Bodfish CA 55/100 78/100
44 93706 Fresno CA 55/100 75/100
45 93741 Fresno CA 55/100 73/100
46 93923 Carmel CA 55/100 68/100
47 93940 Monterey CA 55/100 70/100
48 94020 La Honda CA 55/100 74/100
49 94133 San Francisco CA 55/100 59/100
50 94575 Moraga CA 55/100 45/100
51 95565 Scotia CA 55/100 86/100
52 96107 Coleville CA 55/100 71/100
53 90021 Los Angeles CA 54/100 78/100
54 91931 Guatay CA 54/100 33/100
55 92102 San Diego CA 54/100 60/100
56 92115 San Diego CA 54/100 60/100
57 92311 Barstow CA 54/100 45/100
58 93022 Oak View CA 54/100 59/100
59 93534 Lancaster CA 54/100 48/100
60 93615 Cutler CA 54/100 55/100
61 93728 Fresno CA 54/100 70/100
62 94102 San Francisco CA 54/100 59/100
63 94109 San Francisco CA 54/100 59/100
64 94127 San Francisco CA 54/100 59/100
65 95365 Planada CA 54/100 73/100
66 90014 Los Angeles CA 53/100 74/100
67 90813 Long Beach CA 53/100 70/100
68 92110 San Diego CA 53/100 60/100
69 93529 June Lake CA 53/100 63/100
70 93669 Wishon CA 53/100 35/100
71 93702 Fresno CA 53/100 75/100
72 93703 Fresno CA 53/100 75/100
73 93721 Fresno CA 53/100 75/100
74 94118 San Francisco CA 53/100 59/100
75 94130 San Francisco CA 53/100 53/100
76 94559 Napa CA 53/100 53/100
77 95563 Salyer CA 53/100 83/100
78 95965 Oroville CA 53/100 86/100
79 90077 Los Angeles CA 52/100 64/100
80 91963 Potrero CA 52/100 55/100
81 92114 San Diego CA 52/100 60/100
82 92281 Westmorland CA 52/100 78/100
83 93108 Santa Barbara CA 52/100 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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