2026 Rankings

Worst Infrastructure: Chicago Metro — 2026

Last updated: July 19, 2026

118 ZIP codes ranked by Pipe Failure Risk #1: ZIP 46409 (Gary, IN) - 60%
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 118 ZIP codes with infrastructure data in the Chicago metro area, these areas face the highest estimated risk of water pipe failure based on infrastructure age, funding gaps, and violation history.

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 118
Highest risk 60%
Median risk 45%
Average risk 44%

Top 100 Highest Risk ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Pipe Failure Risk Risk Level Safety Score
1 46409 Gary IN 60% High 55/100
2 60604 Chicago IL 58% High 71/100
3 60617 Chicago IL 58% High 66/100
4 60629 Chicago IL 58% High 66/100
5 60639 Chicago IL 58% High 66/100
6 60651 Chicago IL 58% High 66/100
7 53143 Kenosha WI 57% High 69/100
8 60633 Chicago IL 57% High 66/100
9 60641 Chicago IL 57% High 66/100
10 60649 Chicago IL 57% High 71/100
11 60120 Elgin IL 56% High 31/100
12 60625 Chicago IL 56% High 61/100
13 60632 Chicago IL 56% High 71/100
14 60636 Chicago IL 56% High 66/100
15 60644 Chicago IL 56% High 66/100
16 60659 Chicago IL 56% High 66/100
17 46312 East Chicago IN 55% High 70/100
18 60619 Chicago IL 55% High 61/100
19 60623 Chicago IL 55% High 71/100
20 60626 Chicago IL 55% High 66/100
21 60628 Chicago IL 55% High 61/100
22 60630 Chicago IL 55% High 66/100
23 60638 Chicago IL 55% High 71/100
24 60643 Chicago IL 55% High 66/100
25 60652 Chicago IL 55% High 66/100
26 46402 Gary IN 54% High 53/100
27 60618 Chicago IL 54% High 66/100
28 60620 Chicago IL 54% High 66/100
29 60621 Chicago IL 54% High 71/100
30 60640 Chicago IL 54% High 71/100
31 60645 Chicago IL 54% High 71/100
32 60660 Chicago IL 54% High 66/100
33 60608 Chicago IL 53% High 71/100
34 60609 Chicago IL 53% High 66/100
35 60624 Chicago IL 53% High 66/100
36 60634 Chicago IL 53% High 66/100
37 60637 Chicago IL 53% High 61/100
38 60646 Chicago IL 53% High 66/100
39 60647 Chicago IL 53% High 66/100
40 53140 Kenosha WI 52% High 69/100
41 60123 Elgin IL 52% High 36/100
42 60613 Chicago IL 52% High 71/100
43 60631 Chicago IL 52% High 66/100
44 60655 Chicago IL 52% High 71/100
45 60615 Chicago IL 51% High 71/100
46 46404 Gary IN 50% High 63/100
47 60657 Chicago IL 50% High 66/100
48 46406 Gary IN 49% High 63/100
49 46408 Gary IN 49% High 50/100
50 60415 Chicago Ridge IL 49% High 75/100
51 60602 Chicago IL 49% High 71/100
52 60614 Chicago IL 49% High 66/100
53 60622 Chicago IL 49% High 71/100
54 60656 Chicago IL 49% High 71/100
55 46407 Gary IN 48% High 63/100
56 53142 Kenosha WI 46% High 69/100
57 60411 Chicago Heights IL 46% High 63/100
58 60612 Chicago IL 46% High 71/100
59 60064 North Chicago IL 45% High 73/100
60 60616 Chicago IL 45% High 71/100
61 60653 Chicago IL 45% High 71/100
62 53144 Kenosha WI 44% High 64/100
63 60086 North Chicago IL 43% High 77/100
64 60610 Chicago IL 43% High 66/100
65 46403 Gary IN 41% High 63/100
66 60642 Chicago IL 40% Moderate 71/100
67 53141 Kenosha WI 39% Moderate 69/100
68 60611 Chicago IL 39% Moderate 71/100
69 60185 West Chicago IL 38% Moderate 76/100
70 60563 Naperville IL 38% Moderate 72/100
71 60606 Chicago IL 37% Moderate 71/100
72 60124 Elgin IL 36% Moderate 41/100
73 60540 Naperville IL 36% Moderate 67/100
74 60607 Chicago IL 36% Moderate 71/100
75 60565 Naperville IL 35% Moderate 67/100
76 60603 Chicago IL 35% Moderate 71/100
77 60121 Elgin IL 34% Moderate 28/100
78 60177 South Elgin IL 34% Moderate 56/100
79 60290 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
80 60605 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
81 60661 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
82 60664 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
83 60666 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
84 60668 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
85 60669 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
86 60670 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 71/100
87 60673 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
88 60674 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
89 60675 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
90 60677 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
91 60678 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
92 60679 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
93 60680 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 71/100
94 60681 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
95 60682 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
96 60684 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
97 60685 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
98 60686 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
99 60687 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100
100 60688 Chicago IL 34% Moderate 68/100

Methodology

Infrastructure risk rankings combine four data sources, each weighted equally (25%): (1) EPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey (DWINS 2023) — state-level 20-year funding gap per capita for pipe replacement, treatment, and storage; (2) Census ACS housing vintage — percentage of homes built before 1980, when lead solder and galvanized pipes were common; (3) EPA SDWIS violation and enforcement data — system-level compliance history; (4) Lead and Copper Rule indicators — service line material inventories and 90th percentile lead testing results. The combined score is normalized to a 0-100% probability scale.

Data sources: EPA DWINS 2023, Census ACS, EPA SDWIS, Lead and Copper Rule data. Last updated: 2026-07-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does pipe failure probability mean?

Pipe failure probability estimates the likelihood of water main breaks, lead contamination from corroded pipes, or service disruptions based on infrastructure age, state funding gaps, violation history, and lead indicators. It is not a prediction of imminent failure, but a risk assessment based on known factors.

How is infrastructure risk calculated?

The risk score combines four equally weighted factors: state-level infrastructure funding gap per capita (from EPA DWINS 2023), housing vintage (Census ACS pre-1980 housing percentage), water system violation and enforcement history (EPA SDWIS), and lead exposure indicators (service line probability and testing results).

What can homeowners do about aging infrastructure?

Test your tap water annually, especially for lead. Check if your home has a lead service line through your water utility. Consider a whole-house water filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified). Review your water system Consumer Confidence Report for violation history.

Does high risk mean my water is unsafe right now?

Not necessarily. Infrastructure risk indicates long-term vulnerability, not current contamination. However, areas with aging pipes and high violation counts have a statistically higher chance of water quality issues. Regular testing is the best way to verify your water safety.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →

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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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