2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Connecticut — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

433 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 06371 (Old Lyme, CT) - 73/100
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 433 ZIP codes with data in Connecticut, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All Connecticut Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 433
Highest value 73/100
Median value 38/100
State Connecticut

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 06371 Old Lyme CT 73/100 40/100
2 06702 Waterbury CT 67/100 65/100
3 06353 Montville CT 65/100 60/100
4 06824 Fairfield CT 65/100 46/100
5 06906 Stamford CT 65/100 64/100
6 06426 Essex CT 64/100 52/100
7 06498 Westbrook CT 64/100 54/100
8 06241 Dayville CT 63/100 41/100
9 06412 Chester CT 63/100 54/100
10 06902 Stamford CT 63/100 54/100
11 06357 Niantic CT 62/100 52/100
12 06262 Quinebaug CT 61/100 78/100
13 06905 Stamford CT 61/100 59/100
14 06360 Norwich CT 60/100 49/100
15 06705 Waterbury CT 60/100 60/100
16 06710 Waterbury CT 60/100 65/100
17 06825 Fairfield CT 60/100 51/100
18 06854 Norwalk CT 60/100 54/100
19 06413 Clinton CT 59/100 53/100
20 06480 Portland CT 59/100 56/100
21 06763 Morris CT 59/100 74/100
22 06855 Norwalk CT 59/100 54/100
23 06439 Hadlyme CT 58/100 53/100
24 06450 Meriden CT 58/100 56/100
25 06459 Middletown CT 58/100 61/100
26 06706 Waterbury CT 58/100 65/100
27 06853 Norwalk CT 58/100 54/100
28 06907 Stamford CT 58/100 64/100
29 06451 Meriden CT 57/100 56/100
30 06607 Bridgeport CT 57/100 45/100
31 06776 New Milford CT 57/100 67/100
32 06258 Pomfret CT 56/100 50/100
33 06355 Mystic CT 56/100 51/100
34 06373 Oneco CT 56/100 83/100
35 06516 West Haven CT 56/100 51/100
36 06604 Bridgeport CT 56/100 35/100
37 06704 Waterbury CT 56/100 60/100
38 06790 Torrington CT 56/100 72/100
39 06108 East Hartford CT 55/100 65/100
40 06335 Gales Ferry CT 55/100 56/100
41 06471 North Branford CT 55/100 55/100
42 06795 Watertown CT 55/100 74/100
43 06903 Stamford CT 55/100 59/100
44 06002 Bloomfield CT 54/100 69/100
45 06414 Cobalt CT 54/100 41/100
46 06488 Southbury CT 54/100 51/100
47 06615 Stratford CT 54/100 35/100
48 06801 Bethel CT 54/100 59/100
49 06226 Willimantic CT 53/100 74/100
50 06475 Old Saybrook CT 53/100 35/100
51 06793 Washington CT 53/100 76/100
52 06118 East Hartford CT 52/100 60/100
53 06260 Putnam CT 52/100 71/100
54 06279 Willington CT 52/100 66/100
55 06331 Canterbury CT 52/100 66/100
56 06340 Groton CT 52/100 43/100
57 06365 Preston CT 52/100 64/100
58 06405 Branford CT 52/100 55/100
59 06457 Middletown CT 52/100 56/100
60 06481 Rockfall CT 52/100 54/100
61 06512 East Haven CT 52/100 30/100
62 06605 Bridgeport CT 52/100 35/100
63 06708 Waterbury CT 52/100 60/100
64 06757 Kent CT 52/100 74/100
65 06820 Darien CT 52/100 35/100
66 06410 Cheshire CT 51/100 48/100
67 06417 Deep River CT 51/100 61/100
68 06460 Milford CT 51/100 40/100
69 06484 Shelton CT 51/100 55/100
70 06870 Old Greenwich CT 51/100 35/100

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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