2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Wisconsin — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

898 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 53706 (Madison, WI) - 67/100
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 898 ZIP codes with data in Wisconsin, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All Wisconsin Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 898
Highest value 67/100
Median value 37/100
State Wisconsin

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 53706 Madison WI 67/100 59/100
2 54631 Gays Mills WI 67/100 59/100
3 54652 Readstown WI 66/100 60/100
4 53522 Browntown WI 64/100 65/100
5 53549 Jefferson WI 64/100 40/100
6 53094 Watertown WI 61/100 28/100
7 53168 Salem WI 61/100 63/100
8 54625 Dodge WI 61/100 55/100
9 53122 Elm Grove WI 60/100 59/100
10 53538 Fort Atkinson WI 60/100 34/100
11 54638 Kendall WI 60/100 72/100
12 54645 Mount Sterling WI 60/100 28/100
13 54759 Pepin WI 60/100 59/100
14 53218 Milwaukee WI 59/100 65/100
15 53534 Edgerton WI 59/100 43/100
16 53806 Cassville WI 59/100 64/100
17 54935 Fond Du Lac WI 59/100 42/100
18 53170 Silver Lake WI 58/100 70/100
19 53176 Springfield WI 58/100 53/100
20 53209 Milwaukee WI 57/100 65/100
21 53581 Richland Center WI 57/100 46/100
22 53726 Madison WI 57/100 59/100
23 54902 Oshkosh WI 57/100 50/100
24 53213 Milwaukee WI 56/100 70/100
25 53404 Racine WI 56/100 75/100
26 53941 La Valle WI 56/100 76/100
27 53955 Poynette WI 56/100 61/100
28 53233 Milwaukee WI 55/100 80/100
29 53545 Janesville WI 55/100 47/100
30 54014 Hager City WI 55/100 60/100
31 54409 Antigo WI 55/100 56/100
32 53039 Juneau WI 54/100 24/100
33 53130 Hales Corners WI 54/100 74/100
34 53206 Milwaukee WI 54/100 80/100
35 53713 Madison WI 54/100 59/100
36 53715 Madison WI 54/100 64/100
37 54481 Stevens Point WI 54/100 46/100
38 54495 Wisconsin Rapids WI 54/100 57/100
39 54632 Genoa WI 54/100 54/100
40 54651 Ontario WI 54/100 69/100
41 54667 Westby WI 54/100 63/100
42 53050 Mayville WI 53/100 53/100
43 53167 Rochester WI 53/100 81/100
44 53506 Avoca WI 53/100 68/100
45 53548 Janesville WI 53/100 52/100
46 53588 Spring Green WI 53/100 64/100
47 53714 Madison WI 53/100 64/100
48 53956 Randolph WI 53/100 40/100
49 53961 Rock Springs WI 53/100 78/100
50 54664 Viola WI 53/100 63/100
51 54806 Ashland WI 53/100 45/100
52 53098 Watertown WI 52/100 28/100
53 53143 Kenosha WI 52/100 69/100
54 53569 Montfort WI 52/100 64/100
55 53716 Madison WI 52/100 59/100
56 53821 Prairie Du Chien WI 52/100 59/100
57 53924 Cazenovia WI 52/100 69/100
58 53007 Butler WI 51/100 67/100
59 53118 Dousman WI 51/100 63/100
60 53140 Kenosha WI 51/100 69/100
61 53186 Waukesha WI 51/100 41/100
62 53208 Milwaukee WI 51/100 75/100
63 53216 Milwaukee WI 51/100 70/100
64 53515 Black Earth WI 51/100 64/100
65 53530 Darlington WI 51/100 56/100
66 53536 Evansville WI 51/100 61/100
67 53541 Gratiot WI 51/100 65/100
68 53703 Madison WI 51/100 59/100
69 53705 Madison WI 51/100 64/100
70 54403 Wausau WI 51/100 67/100
71 54486 Tigerton WI 51/100 65/100
72 54634 Hillsboro WI 51/100 62/100

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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