2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Virginia — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

1,228 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 23109 (Mathews, VA) - 61/100
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 1,228 ZIP codes with data in Virginia, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All Virginia Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 1,228
Highest value 61/100
Median value 27/100
State Virginia

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 23109 Mathews VA 61/100 68/100
2 24422 Clifton Forge VA 60/100 59/100
3 22664 Woodstock VA 59/100 47/100
4 24016 Roanoke VA 59/100 57/100
5 24136 Pembroke VA 59/100 64/100
6 24167 Staffordsville VA 59/100 53/100
7 24426 Covington VA 59/100 50/100
8 22853 Timberville VA 58/100 64/100
9 24612 Doran VA 58/100 45/100
10 24011 Roanoke VA 57/100 62/100
11 24013 Roanoke VA 57/100 57/100
12 24366 Rocky Gap VA 57/100 51/100
13 22611 Berryville VA 56/100 44/100
14 24058 Belspring VA 56/100 53/100
15 23440 Tangier VA 55/100 84/100
16 24015 Roanoke VA 55/100 57/100
17 24245 Dungannon VA 55/100 67/100
18 24604 Bishop VA 55/100 53/100
19 23868 Lawrenceville VA 54/100 60/100
20 24014 Roanoke VA 54/100 52/100
21 24127 New Castle VA 54/100 55/100
22 24225 Cleveland VA 54/100 51/100
23 24277 Pennington Gap VA 54/100 56/100
24 24540 Danville VA 54/100 57/100
25 24656 Vansant VA 54/100 73/100
26 24657 Whitewood VA 54/100 53/100
27 22733 Rapidan VA 53/100 82/100
28 23130 Onemo VA 53/100 60/100
29 23163 Susan VA 53/100 60/100
30 24093 Glen Lyn VA 53/100 62/100
31 24168 Stanleytown VA 53/100 53/100
32 24237 Dante VA 53/100 45/100
33 24541 Danville VA 53/100 57/100
34 24613 Falls Mills VA 53/100 53/100
35 24635 Pocahontas VA 53/100 53/100
36 24641 Richlands VA 53/100 60/100
37 23022 Bremo Bluff VA 52/100 61/100
38 23417 Onancock VA 52/100 78/100
39 24017 Roanoke VA 52/100 52/100
40 24651 Tazewell VA 52/100 61/100
41 22847 Quicksburg VA 51/100 53/100
42 22980 Waynesboro VA 51/100 51/100
43 23045 Diggs VA 51/100 60/100
44 23219 Richmond VA 51/100 81/100
45 24124 Narrows VA 51/100 61/100
46 24134 Pearisburg VA 51/100 55/100
47 24382 Wytheville VA 51/100 61/100
48 24416 Buena Vista VA 51/100 54/100
49 24557 Gretna VA 51/100 61/100
50 24634 Pilgrims Knob VA 51/100 53/100
51 23056 Foster VA 50/100 65/100
52 23427 Saxis VA 50/100 65/100
53 23480 Wachapreague VA 50/100 65/100
54 24055 Bassett VA 50/100 58/100
55 24282 Saint Charles VA 50/100 45/100
56 24439 Goshen VA 50/100 65/100
57 22831 Hinton VA 49/100 45/100
58 22842 Mount Jackson VA 49/100 60/100
59 23508 Norfolk VA 49/100 75/100
60 23930 Crewe VA 49/100 56/100
61 24089 Fieldale VA 49/100 40/100
62 24112 Martinsville VA 49/100 54/100
63 24290 Weber City VA 49/100 61/100
64 22307 Alexandria VA 48/100 60/100
65 22747 Washington VA 48/100 77/100
66 22851 Stanley VA 48/100 63/100
67 23605 Newport News VA 48/100 79/100
68 24301 Pulaski VA 48/100 61/100
69 24430 Craigsville VA 48/100 65/100
70 22657 Strasburg VA 47/100 63/100
71 22727 Madison VA 47/100 55/100
72 22811 Bergton VA 47/100 53/100
73 22949 Lovingston VA 47/100 72/100
74 23066 Gwynn VA 47/100 60/100
75 23128 North VA 47/100 60/100
76 24066 Buchanan VA 47/100 60/100
77 24084 Dublin VA 47/100 66/100
78 24375 Sugar Grove VA 47/100 52/100
79 24605 Bluefield VA 47/100 60/100
80 22504 Laneview VA 46/100 73/100
81 22630 Front Royal VA 46/100 50/100
82 23224 Richmond VA 46/100 81/100
83 23661 Hampton VA 46/100 79/100
84 23824 Blackstone VA 46/100 63/100
85 23827 Boykins VA 46/100 73/100
86 22454 Dunnsville VA 45/100 60/100
87 22482 Kilmarnock VA 45/100 78/100
88 22835 Luray VA 45/100 60/100
89 23664 Hampton VA 45/100 74/100
90 24517 Altavista VA 45/100 69/100
91 24529 Buffalo Junction VA 45/100 71/100

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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