Radon levels in Santa Fe County, New Mexico

ModerateEPA Zone 1

Predicted long-term basement average of 2.5 pCi/L (model estimate) across 12 ZIP codes - about 1.4× the US average of 1.8, close to the New Mexico average of 2.1. Ranked #9 of 32 New Mexico counties.

Test Santa Fe County, NM - the EPA says "consider fixing" in this range

The predicted basement average here is 2.5 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.

We may earn a commission from Amazon at no extra cost to you.

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.

2.5 ± 0.06

pCi/L predicted basement mean (model SD)

2.3 ± 0.07

pCi/L predicted upstairs (above-ground) mean

2.3-2.9

range of ZIP-level basement predictions in the county

What this means for Santa Fe

The typical Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe County as Zone 1 while the newer model predicts 2.5 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 New Mexico counties: San Juan County (2.5), Otero County (2.5), Union County (2.4), San Miguel County (2.5). The state's highest is Taos County at 2.9 pCi/L.

ZIP codes in Santa Fe County

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

ZIPBasementUpstairsGrade
875072.3 ± 0.052.1Moderate
875052.6 ± 0.052.6Moderate
875082.5 ± 0.062.3Moderate
875012.7 ± 0.062.6Moderate
870152.4 ± 0.062.0Moderate
875062.6 ± 0.062.2Moderate
875222.8 ± 0.072.0Moderate
875672.5 ± 0.071.9Moderate
875352.9 ± 0.072.0Moderate
870102.6 ± 0.061.8Moderate
870562.3 ± 0.061.6Moderate
875402.7 ± 0.062.1Moderate

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.

Santa Fe County radon questions

Is radon high in Santa Fe County, New Mexico?
Moderate. The model predicts a long-term basement average of 2.5 pCi/L in Santa Fe County (about 1.4× the US average of 1.8 and close to the New Mexico average of 2.1). That is in the 2-4 pCi/L range where the EPA recommends considering mitigation. Ranked 9 of 32 New Mexico counties.
Should I test for radon in Santa Fe County?
Yes, soon. With a predicted average of 2.5 pCi/L, many homes in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe 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 2.5 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 Santa Fe County?
A standard active sub-slab depressurization system typically runs $800-$2,500 installed nationally; New Mexico 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.

← All New Mexico counties · How to test · Radon in a home sale · Methodology