2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Kentucky — 2026

Last updated: June 4, 2026

947 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 41649 (Martin, KY) — 64/100
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 947 ZIP codes with data in Kentucky, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All Kentucky Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 947
Highest value 64/100
Median value 28/100
State Kentucky

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 41649 Martin KY 64/100 57/100
2 41501 Pikeville KY 63/100 43/100
3 41537 Jenkins KY 61/100 67/100
4 40310 Burgin KY 59/100 63/100
5 40445 Livingston KY 59/100 61/100
6 40855 Lynch KY 58/100 82/100
7 42459 Sturgis KY 58/100 51/100
8 41840 Neon KY 57/100 54/100
9 41339 Jackson KY 56/100 63/100
10 40361 Paris KY 55/100 52/100
11 40820 Cranks KY 55/100 55/100
12 42759 Marrowbone KY 55/100 53/100
13 40383 Versailles KY 54/100 47/100
14 41567 Stone KY 54/100 55/100
15 41612 Bypro KY 54/100 55/100
16 41651 Minnie KY 54/100 55/100
17 41822 Hindman KY 54/100 72/100
18 40601 Frankfort KY 53/100 48/100
19 41085 Silver Grove KY 53/100 50/100
20 41465 Salyersville KY 53/100 56/100
21 41858 Whitesburg KY 53/100 64/100
22 42327 Calhoun KY 53/100 57/100
23 41605 Betsy Layne KY 52/100 55/100
24 42450 Providence KY 52/100 58/100
25 40177 West Point KY 51/100 45/100
26 40209 Louisville KY 51/100 65/100
27 40847 Kenvir KY 51/100 63/100
28 41031 Cynthiana KY 51/100 58/100
29 41146 Hitchins KY 51/100 55/100
30 41502 Pikeville KY 51/100 53/100
31 41622 Eastern KY 51/100 55/100
32 40150 Lebanon Junction KY 50/100 52/100
33 40906 Barbourville KY 50/100 68/100
34 41224 Inez KY 50/100 71/100
35 41311 Beattyville KY 50/100 56/100
36 41601 Allen KY 50/100 50/100
37 41729 Combs KY 50/100 63/100
38 42081 Smithland KY 50/100 53/100
39 42437 Morganfield KY 50/100 58/100
40 42539 Liberty KY 50/100 62/100
41 40036 Lockport KY 49/100 55/100
42 40207 Louisville KY 49/100 55/100
43 40363 Perry Park KY 49/100 63/100
44 40828 Evarts KY 49/100 76/100
45 41102 Ashland KY 49/100 41/100
46 41619 Drift KY 49/100 55/100
47 41838 Millstone KY 49/100 63/100
48 41859 Dema KY 49/100 55/100
49 40390 Wilmore KY 48/100 59/100
50 40807 Benham KY 48/100 79/100
51 41040 Falmouth KY 48/100 60/100
52 41074 Dayton KY 48/100 50/100
53 41267 Warfield KY 48/100 50/100
54 41739 Dwarf KY 48/100 63/100
55 42050 Hickman KY 48/100 94/100
56 42461 Uniontown KY 48/100 65/100
57 40202 Louisville KY 47/100 65/100
58 40213 Louisville KY 47/100 55/100
59 40322 Frenchburg KY 47/100 76/100
60 40348 Millersburg KY 47/100 55/100
61 40371 Salt Lick KY 47/100 71/100
62 40977 Pineville KY 47/100 71/100
63 41181 Willard KY 47/100 55/100
64 41526 Fords Branch KY 47/100 63/100
65 41640 Hueysville KY 47/100 50/100
66 42167 Tompkinsville KY 47/100 59/100
67 40372 Salvisa KY 46/100 64/100
68 41129 Catlettsburg KY 46/100 63/100
69 41143 Grayson KY 46/100 64/100
70 41630 Garrett KY 46/100 68/100
71 41721 Buckhorn KY 46/100 82/100
72 41810 Cromona KY 46/100 63/100
73 42256 Lewisburg KY 46/100 62/100
74 40107 Boston KY 45/100 40/100
75 40849 Lejunior KY 45/100 63/100
76 41002 Augusta KY 45/100 73/100
77 41008 Carrollton KY 45/100 71/100
78 41169 Russell KY 45/100 74/100
79 41503 South Williamson KY 45/100 50/100
80 41517 Burdine KY 45/100 63/100
81 41543 Mc Andrews KY 45/100 55/100
82 41606 Bevinsville KY 45/100 63/100
83 41666 Wayland KY 45/100 45/100
84 41760 Scuddy KY 45/100 63/100
85 41824 Isom KY 45/100 63/100
86 42337 Drakesboro KY 45/100 76/100
87 42455 Sebree KY 45/100 79/100
88 40077 Westport KY 44/100 50/100
89 40118 Fairdale KY 44/100 35/100
90 41016 Covington KY 44/100 50/100
91 41059 Melbourne KY 44/100 50/100
92 41142 Grahn KY 44/100 63/100
93 41314 Booneville KY 44/100 82/100
94 41472 West Liberty KY 44/100 74/100
95 42058 Ledbetter KY 44/100 82/100
96 42371 Rumsey KY 44/100 50/100
97 42451 Reed KY 44/100 50/100
98 40218 Louisville KY 43/100 55/100
99 40312 Clay City KY 43/100 72/100
100 40347 Midway KY 43/100 64/100

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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