Radon levels in Scott County, Iowa

ModerateEPA Zone 1

Predicted long-term basement average of 2.1 pCi/L (model estimate) across 18 ZIP codes - about 1.2× the US average of 1.8, about 38% below the Iowa average of 3.5. Ranked #99 of 99 Iowa counties.

Test Scott County, IA - the EPA says "consider fixing" in this range

The predicted basement average here is 2.1 pCi/L, in the 2-4 pCi/L band where the EPA recommends considering mitigation. Plenty of individual homes in a moderate area test above 4. Start with a short-term test; if it comes back at 2 or higher, follow up with a long-term test or a continuous monitor.

Already tested at 4 pCi/L or higher? Find a certified mitigation professional (EPA). A mitigation system typically runs $800-$2,500 installed.

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Predicted (model estimate). The pCi/L figures on this page are long-term area averages from a peer-reviewed national model built on millions of real radon tests (2001-2021). They describe the typical home in this area - not your home, which can be several times higher or lower. The EPA radon zone is a separate, 1993 county-level classification. How the numbers work.

2.1 ± 0.09

pCi/L predicted basement mean (model SD)

1.6 ± 0.06

pCi/L predicted upstairs (above-ground) mean

1.4-3.4

range of ZIP-level basement predictions in the county

What this means for Scott

The typical Scott County home is predicted in the 2-4 pCi/L band. The EPA's guidance for this range is to consider fixing, because there is no known safe level and roughly one home in several in a moderate area will test above 4.

Note that the EPA classifies Scott County as Zone 1 while the newer model predicts 2.1 pCi/L. The zone map predates two decades of test data; where they disagree, we grade on the model but show both. County figures weight each ZIP by its 2010 Census population, so they describe where people live rather than empty land.

Comparable Iowa counties: Black Hawk County (2.2), Linn County (2.2), Johnson County (2.4), Jefferson County (2.6). The state's highest is Sioux County at 6.3 pCi/L.

ZIP codes in Scott County

Predicted basement and upstairs means by ZIP (model estimate). ZIPs whose land is mostly in this county.

ZIPBasementUpstairsGrade
527221.4 ± 0.091.5Low
528061.8 ± 0.121.4Low
528042.5 ± 0.081.6Moderate
528032.5 ± 0.071.5Moderate
528071.9 ± 0.091.5Low
528022.4 ± 0.061.5Moderate
527482.3 ± 0.142.0Moderate
527532.6 ± 0.092.0Moderate
527263.4 ± 0.072.1Moderate
527733.4 ± 0.061.8Moderate
527562.6 ± 0.071.9Moderate
527683.2 ± 0.061.8Moderate
528012.1 ± 0.061.2Moderate
527282.5 ± 0.051.5Moderate
527462.8 ± 0.061.9Moderate
527693.0 ± 0.061.9Moderate
527453.0 ± 0.061.7Moderate
527653.1 ± 0.062.0Moderate

If your test comes back at 4 pCi/L or higher

Mitigation is a routine job: a fan-driven pipe that vents soil gas from under the slab to above the roofline, typically $800-$2,500 installed (typical range; local quotes vary). Use certified professionals: EPA find-a-professional. Read the full mitigation guide.

Scott County radon questions

Is radon high in Scott County, Iowa?
Moderate. The model predicts a long-term basement average of 2.1 pCi/L in Scott County (about 1.2× the US average of 1.8 and about 38% below the Iowa average of 3.5). That is in the 2-4 pCi/L range where the EPA recommends considering mitigation. Ranked 99 of 99 Iowa counties.
Should I test for radon in Scott County?
Yes, soon. With a predicted average of 2.1 pCi/L, many homes in Scott County will test above the 4 pCi/L action level. Use a short-term kit first; if it reads 2 or higher, confirm with a long-term test or continuous monitor before deciding on mitigation.
What does EPA Radon Zone 1 mean for Scott County?
Zone 1 - highest potential (predicted average > 4 pCi/L). The zone map dates from 1993 and classifies whole counties. The newer model's predicted average of 2.1 pCi/L does not line up with Zone 1, which is common - the EPA itself says high-radon homes exist in every zone. Neither replaces a test of your own home.
How much does radon mitigation cost in Scott County?
A standard active sub-slab depressurization system typically runs $800-$2,500 installed nationally; Iowa quotes vary with foundation type (slab, crawlspace, basement), home size and local labor. Get two or three bids from certified mitigators listed by your state radon program or the EPA's find-a-professional page.

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