Is Richmond city, VA a radon risk area?

EPA's own radon map rates Richmond city zone 3 - low potential, predicting a county-wide average indoor level below 2 pCi/L. That puts Richmond city in the 29th percentile nationally for radon potential — higher than 29% of the counties EPA has rated.

Where Richmond city sits nationally

About 233,655 people live in Richmond city, Virginia, spread over 59.925 square miles. Averaged across its land area, Richmond city runs about 3,899 people per square mile. Rank 111 by population within its EPA zone puts Richmond city at the 89th percentile among zone peers.

Why the zone isn't the answer by itself

At Zone 3, Richmond city's predicted county average is under the national indoor average (~1.3 pCi/L) and well below EPA's 4 pCi/L action level — outdoor air nationally runs about 0.4 pCi/L for comparison. A Zone 3 rating means Richmond city's county-wide average is predicted low, but EPA is explicit that a meaningful share of homes in low-potential zones still test above the action level — a low zone is not a reason to skip testing.

Next steps for a home in Richmond city

Nothing about Richmond city's EPA zone changes the mitigation number: $800–$2,500 nationally (around $1,200 typical), set by the house's foundation rather than the county it sits in — and only relevant once a test actually clears 4 pCi/L.

Find Virginia's state radon program

Richmond city's test kit answers today; a Airthings radon monitor keeps answering for Richmond city over time. Affiliate link, RadonZoneCheck earns a commission there, at no extra cost to you. RADONZONE-10OFF at checkout knocks 10% off.

More on how this number was built

The methodology guide shows exactly which EPA and Census sources feed Richmond city's numbers. The guide to what a radon zone actually means covers why testing matters in every zone, not just Zone 1.