2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Washington — 2026

Last updated: July 19, 2026

726 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 99020 (Marshall, WA) - 62/100
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 726 ZIP codes with data in Washington, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All Washington Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 726
Highest value 62/100
Median value 30/100
State Washington

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 99020 Marshall WA 62/100 54/100
2 98224 Baring WA 60/100 73/100
3 99156 Newport WA 60/100 51/100
4 99031 Spangle WA 58/100 67/100
5 98255 Hamilton WA 56/100 77/100
6 99032 Sprague WA 56/100 77/100
7 99180 Usk WA 55/100 61/100
8 99003 Chattaroy WA 54/100 69/100
9 98256 Index WA 53/100 82/100
10 99161 Palouse WA 53/100 81/100
11 99201 Spokane WA 52/100 70/100
12 99336 Kennewick WA 52/100 58/100
13 99371 Washtucna WA 52/100 75/100
14 98572 Pe Ell WA 51/100 90/100
15 98852 Stehekin WA 51/100 45/100
16 99157 Northport WA 51/100 64/100
17 99204 Spokane WA 51/100 70/100
18 98288 Skykomish WA 50/100 85/100
19 98520 Aberdeen WA 50/100 71/100
20 98531 Centralia WA 50/100 75/100
21 98595 Westport WA 50/100 74/100
22 99114 Colville WA 50/100 56/100
23 99119 Cusick WA 50/100 60/100
24 99143 Lacrosse WA 50/100 72/100
25 99362 Walla Walla WA 50/100 69/100
26 98262 Lummi Island WA 49/100 85/100
27 98443 Tacoma WA 49/100 83/100
28 98583 Satsop WA 49/100 94/100
29 98832 Marlin WA 49/100 78/100
30 99033 Tekoa WA 49/100 79/100
31 99158 Oakesdale WA 49/100 63/100
32 99302 Pasco WA 49/100 79/100
33 99343 Mesa WA 49/100 62/100
34 99152 Metaline WA 48/100 68/100
35 99361 Waitsburg WA 48/100 73/100
36 98247 Everson WA 47/100 78/100
37 98361 Packwood WA 47/100 83/100
38 98530 Bucoda WA 47/100 89/100
39 98532 Chehalis WA 47/100 75/100
40 98628 Klickitat WA 47/100 55/100
41 98647 Skamokawa WA 47/100 65/100
42 99102 Albion WA 47/100 81/100
43 99128 Farmington WA 47/100 82/100
44 99139 Ione WA 47/100 70/100
45 99149 Malden WA 47/100 53/100
46 99205 Spokane WA 47/100 66/100
47 98283 Rockport WA 46/100 95/100
48 98356 Morton WA 46/100 87/100
49 98377 Randle WA 46/100 85/100
50 98550 Hoquiam WA 46/100 80/100
51 98563 Montesano WA 46/100 81/100
52 98582 Salkum WA 46/100 62/100
53 98621 Grays River WA 46/100 65/100
54 99009 Elk WA 46/100 63/100
55 99111 Colfax WA 46/100 78/100
56 99125 Endicott WA 46/100 83/100
57 99151 Marcus WA 46/100 40/100
58 99153 Metaline Falls WA 46/100 40/100
59 99170 Rosalia WA 46/100 82/100
60 99202 Spokane WA 46/100 70/100
61 99207 Spokane WA 46/100 70/100
62 99337 Kennewick WA 46/100 58/100
63 99359 Starbuck WA 46/100 82/100
64 98267 Marblemount WA 45/100 70/100
65 98278 Oak Harbor WA 45/100 71/100
66 98544 Galvin WA 45/100 65/100
67 98586 South Bend WA 45/100 65/100
68 98812 Brewster WA 45/100 69/100
69 98855 Tonasket WA 45/100 69/100
70 98941 Roslyn WA 45/100 72/100
71 99030 Rockford WA 45/100 70/100
72 99115 Coulee City WA 45/100 79/100
73 99118 Curlew WA 45/100 48/100
74 99155 Nespelem WA 45/100 64/100
75 99301 Pasco WA 45/100 80/100
76 99323 Burbank WA 45/100 71/100
77 99344 Othello WA 45/100 72/100
78 98241 Darrington WA 44/100 85/100
79 98858 Waterville WA 44/100 78/100
80 99029 Reardan WA 44/100 79/100
81 99034 Tumtum WA 44/100 40/100
82 99109 Chewelah WA 44/100 68/100
83 99124 Elmer City WA 44/100 66/100
84 99159 Odessa WA 44/100 82/100
85 99166 Republic WA 44/100 61/100
86 99335 Kahlotus WA 44/100 79/100
87 98243 Deer Harbor WA 43/100 66/100
88 98541 Elma WA 43/100 84/100
89 98547 Grayland WA 43/100 65/100
90 98638 Naselle WA 43/100 65/100
91 98849 Riverside WA 43/100 59/100
92 98922 Cle Elum WA 43/100 49/100
93 98930 Grandview WA 43/100 81/100
94 99006 Deer Park WA 43/100 66/100
95 99017 Lamont WA 43/100 81/100
96 99021 Mead WA 43/100 62/100
97 99103 Almira WA 43/100 83/100
98 99122 Davenport WA 43/100 80/100
99 99126 Evans WA 43/100 40/100
100 99130 Garfield WA 43/100 63/100

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: 2026-07-19.

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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