When considering a move to a new neighborhood, one of the factors many evaluate—alongside schools, commute times, and property values—is crime rate.
Fortunately, crime data is publicly available and easy to access with the right tools. Whether you’re buying, renting, or just curious, here’s how to find out about crime rates in a neighborhood—and why that information matters.
How to Find Neighborhood Crime Information
1. Local Law Enforcement Websites
Most city or county police departments offer crime maps, blotters, or annual reports.
- Look for a “Crime Statistics” or “Public Safety” section.
- Many offer interactive maps showing types of crimes (theft, burglary, assault) by location and date.
Example:
- Sarasota PD: https://www.sarasotapd.org
- Sarasota County Sheriff: https://www.sarasotasheriff.org
2. CrimeMapping.com
A national tool that pulls real-time data from local police departments and plots it on a map.
- Filter by type of crime (assault, theft, vandalism, etc.)
- Choose timeframes (last 3 days, 30 days, custom)
- Set distance radius around a specific address
🔗 https://www.crimemapping.com
3. NeighborhoodScout
This website offers detailed crime reports, including comparisons to national averages, crime heat maps, and neighborhood safety grades.
- Shows violent vs. property crime rates
- Includes demographic and school data
- Some features require a subscription
🔗 https://www.neighborhoodscout.com
4. City-Data.com
Offers general crime statistics and community feedback for neighborhoods, including charts and user forum discussions.
5. SpotCrime.com
Aggregates police and media reports to create easy-to-read crime maps.
- Color-coded for crime types
- Email alerts available for your neighborhood
6. Local News Outlets and Social Media
Local news sites, community Facebook groups, and Nextdoor.com can provide real-time neighborhood chatter and firsthand reports about suspicious activity or safety concerns.
What Real Estate Agents Can and Can’t Tell You
By law, real estate agents are limited in what they can say about crime. To avoid violating Fair Housing laws, they can’t steer you based on neighborhood demographics or personal safety assumptions.
Instead, they should guide you to reliable data sources so you can make your own informed decision.
