2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in District of Columb...

Last updated: June 4, 2026

286 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 20317 (Washington, DC) — 63/100
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 286 ZIP codes with data in District of Columbia, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All District of Columbia Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 286
Highest value 63/100
Median value 54/100
State District of Columbia

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 20317 Washington DC 63/100 69/100
2 20007 Washington DC 62/100 62/100
3 20006 Washington DC 60/100 72/100
4 20013 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
5 20019 Washington DC 54/100 62/100
6 20022 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
7 20023 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
8 20026 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
9 20027 Washington DC 54/100 72/100
10 20029 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
11 20030 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
12 20033 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
13 20035 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
14 20038 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
15 20039 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
16 20040 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
17 20041 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
18 20042 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
19 20043 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
20 20044 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
21 20045 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
22 20046 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
23 20047 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
24 20049 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
25 20050 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
26 20051 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
27 20053 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
28 20055 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
29 20056 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
30 20057 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
31 20058 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
32 20060 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
33 20061 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
34 20062 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
35 20063 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
36 20064 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
37 20065 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
38 20066 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
39 20067 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
40 20068 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
41 20069 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
42 20070 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
43 20071 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
44 20073 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
45 20074 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
46 20075 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
47 20076 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
48 20077 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
49 20078 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
50 20080 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
51 20081 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
52 20082 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
53 20088 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
54 20090 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
55 20091 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
56 20097 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
57 20098 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
58 20201 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
59 20202 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
60 20203 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
61 20204 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
62 20206 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
63 20207 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
64 20208 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
65 20210 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
66 20211 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
67 20212 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
68 20213 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
69 20214 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
70 20215 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
71 20216 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
72 20217 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
73 20218 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
74 20219 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
75 20220 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
76 20221 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
77 20222 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
78 20223 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
79 20224 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
80 20226 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
81 20227 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
82 20228 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
83 20229 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
84 20230 Washington DC 54/100 72/100
85 20232 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
86 20233 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
87 20235 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
88 20237 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
89 20238 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
90 20239 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
91 20240 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
92 20241 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
93 20242 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
94 20244 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
95 20245 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
96 20250 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
97 20251 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
98 20252 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
99 20254 Washington DC 54/100 69/100
100 20260 Washington DC 54/100 69/100

Methodology

The Home Purchase Risk Score combines environmental hazards that create unexpected costs for homebuyers: water system violations requiring filtration, lead service lines requiring replacement, radon requiring mitigation systems, flood zones requiring insurance, and aging infrastructure requiring upgrades. 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: 2026-06-04.

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 pipe infrastructure and EPA 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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