2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Kentucky — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

947 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 41649 (Martin, KY) - 65/100
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 65/100
Median value 28/100
State Kentucky

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 41649 Martin KY 65/100 57/100
2 41501 Pikeville KY 64/100 43/100
3 41537 Jenkins KY 62/100 67/100
4 40310 Burgin KY 59/100 63/100
5 40445 Livingston KY 59/100 61/100
6 40855 Lynch KY 59/100 82/100
7 41339 Jackson KY 58/100 63/100
8 41840 Neon KY 58/100 54/100
9 42459 Sturgis KY 58/100 51/100
10 41822 Hindman KY 56/100 72/100
11 40361 Paris KY 55/100 52/100
12 40820 Cranks KY 55/100 55/100
13 41567 Stone KY 55/100 55/100
14 41612 Bypro KY 55/100 55/100
15 41651 Minnie KY 55/100 55/100
16 40383 Versailles KY 54/100 47/100
17 40601 Frankfort KY 54/100 48/100
18 41858 Whitesburg KY 54/100 64/100
19 41085 Silver Grove KY 53/100 50/100
20 41465 Salyersville KY 53/100 56/100
21 41605 Betsy Layne KY 53/100 55/100
22 42327 Calhoun KY 53/100 57/100
23 40847 Kenvir KY 52/100 63/100
24 41146 Hitchins KY 52/100 55/100
25 41622 Eastern KY 52/100 55/100
26 42450 Providence KY 52/100 58/100
27 40177 West Point KY 51/100 45/100
28 40209 Louisville KY 51/100 65/100
29 41031 Cynthiana KY 51/100 58/100
30 41601 Allen KY 51/100 50/100
31 42081 Smithland KY 51/100 53/100
32 40150 Lebanon Junction KY 50/100 52/100
33 40807 Benham KY 50/100 79/100
34 40906 Barbourville KY 50/100 68/100
35 41224 Inez KY 50/100 71/100
36 41311 Beattyville KY 50/100 56/100
37 41619 Drift KY 50/100 55/100
38 41739 Dwarf KY 50/100 63/100
39 41838 Millstone KY 50/100 63/100
40 41859 Dema KY 50/100 55/100
41 42437 Morganfield KY 50/100 58/100
42 42539 Liberty KY 50/100 62/100
43 40036 Lockport KY 49/100 55/100
44 40207 Louisville KY 49/100 55/100
45 40390 Wilmore KY 49/100 59/100
46 40828 Evarts KY 49/100 76/100
47 41102 Ashland KY 49/100 41/100
48 41267 Warfield KY 49/100 50/100
49 40977 Pineville KY 48/100 71/100
50 41040 Falmouth KY 48/100 60/100
51 41074 Dayton KY 48/100 50/100
52 41181 Willard KY 48/100 55/100
53 41640 Hueysville KY 48/100 50/100
54 41721 Buckhorn KY 48/100 82/100
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 41129 Catlettsburg KY 47/100 63/100
63 41630 Garrett KY 47/100 68/100
64 41760 Scuddy KY 47/100 63/100
65 41810 Cromona KY 47/100 63/100
66 41824 Isom KY 47/100 63/100
67 42167 Tompkinsville KY 47/100 59/100
68 40372 Salvisa KY 46/100 64/100
69 41143 Grayson KY 46/100 64/100
70 41314 Booneville KY 46/100 82/100
71 41503 South Williamson KY 46/100 50/100
72 41517 Burdine KY 46/100 63/100
73 41543 Mc Andrews KY 46/100 55/100
74 41606 Bevinsville KY 46/100 63/100
75 41666 Wayland KY 46/100 45/100
76 42256 Lewisburg KY 46/100 62/100
77 40107 Boston KY 45/100 40/100
78 41002 Augusta KY 45/100 73/100
79 41008 Carrollton KY 45/100 71/100
80 41169 Russell KY 45/100 74/100
81 41390 Whick KY 45/100 63/100
82 42337 Drakesboro KY 45/100 76/100
83 42451 Reed KY 45/100 50/100
84 42455 Sebree KY 45/100 79/100
85 40077 Westport KY 44/100 50/100
86 40118 Fairdale KY 44/100 35/100
87 40218 Louisville KY 44/100 55/100
88 40806 Baxter KY 44/100 60/100
89 40965 Middlesboro KY 44/100 68/100
90 41016 Covington KY 44/100 50/100
91 41101 Ashland KY 44/100 46/100
92 41142 Grahn KY 44/100 63/100
93 41464 Royalton KY 44/100 55/100
94 41472 West Liberty KY 44/100 74/100

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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