Worst Infrastructure: Portland Metro — 2026

Out of 55 ZIP codes with infrastructure data in the Portland 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	55
Highest risk	NaN%
Median risk	NaN%
Average risk	NaN%

Top 55 Highest Risk ZIP Codes

Rank	ZIP Code	City	State	Pipe Failure Risk	Risk Level	Safety Score
1	97003	Beaverton	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
2	97005	Beaverton	OR	NaN%	Unknown	82/100
3	97006	Beaverton	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
4	97007	Beaverton	OR	NaN%	Unknown	82/100
5	97008	Beaverton	OR	NaN%	Unknown	82/100
6	97030	Gresham	OR	NaN%	Unknown	78/100
7	97080	Gresham	OR	NaN%	Unknown	78/100
8	97123	Hillsboro	OR	NaN%	Unknown	67/100
9	97124	Hillsboro	OR	NaN%	Unknown	81/100
10	97201	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
11	97202	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	77/100
12	97203	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
13	97204	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
14	97205	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
15	97206	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	76/100
16	97208	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	—
17	97209	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
18	97210	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
19	97211	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
20	97212	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
21	97213	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
22	97214	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
23	97215	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
24	97216	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
25	97217	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
26	97218	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
27	97219	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	79/100
28	97220	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
29	97221	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	82/100
30	97222	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	74/100
31	97223	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	82/100
32	97224	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	82/100
33	97225	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	82/100
34	97227	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
35	97229	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
36	97230	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	81/100
37	97231	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	73/100
38	97232	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
39	97233	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
40	97236	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	66/100
41	97239	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
42	97258	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	—
43	97266	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
44	97267	Portland	OR	NaN%	Unknown	84/100
45	98660	Vancouver	WA	NaN%	Unknown	50/100
46	98661	Vancouver	WA	NaN%	Unknown	50/100
47	98662	Vancouver	WA	NaN%	Unknown	50/100
48	98663	Vancouver	WA	NaN%	Unknown	50/100
49	98664	Vancouver	WA	NaN%	Unknown	50/100
50	98665	Vancouver	WA	NaN%	Unknown	50/100
51	98682	Vancouver	WA	NaN%	Unknown	48/100
52	98683	Vancouver	WA	NaN%	Unknown	46/100
53	98684	Vancouver	WA	NaN%	Unknown	48/100
54	98685	Vancouver	WA	NaN%	Unknown	50/100
55	98686	Vancouver	WA	NaN%	Unknown	50/100

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: 2026-08-31.

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.