Location Research Toolkit
Comprehensive resources for researching crime rates, power lines, noise, water quality, earthquakes, radon, and other environmental factors
Screen neighborhoods quickly before touring. Use these sources to check crime, demographics, infrastructure, noise, environmental risks, and other local factors that affect livability and value.
Crime and Safety Research
1. NeighborhoodScout
Key Features:
- Detailed crime maps with specific address/ZIP code search
- Breakdown by violent crime, property crime, etc.
- Comparative safety rankings and demographic data
- Comprehensive neighborhood analysis
Perfect for: Users who want detailed crime data and comparative analysis
Pro tip: Some data requires paid access for complete information.
2. City-Data Crime Maps
π Use City-Data
Key Features:
- Free FBI crime data aggregation
- Historical trend analysis
- Broad area coverage
Perfect for: Users wanting general trend understanding over large areas
Pro tip: Good for broad trends but not street-level detail.
3. SpotCrime
π Use SpotCrime
Key Features:
- Map-based display of recent real incidents (police reports/news)
- Free access to recent crime data
- Visual, intuitive interface
Perfect for: Users who want to see recent real crime activity in an area
Pro tip: More intuitive but data coverage may not be complete.
Demographics and Community Data
1. Census Bureau - Interactive Maps
Key Features:
- Official government statistics from US Census Bureau
- Interactive maps at state/county/census tract/block levels
- Housing unit changes, poverty estimates, population data
- High data reliability and authority
Perfect for: Analyzing neighborhood demographics, housing trends, and socioeconomic factors
Pro tip: Great for understanding population density, housing unit changes, and community growth/decline trends.
Infrastructure and Noise
1. Google Maps + County GIS
Key Features:
- Google Maps satellite view shows power lines and substations
- King County iMap shows utility easements and corridors
- Free and accessible to everyone
Perfect for: Quick visual check of power line proximity
Pro tip: King County iMap shows utility easements that may not be visible on Google Maps.
π King County iMap
2. EIA - Energy Infrastructure Maps
π Use EIA Energy Maps
Key Features:
- Official Energy Information Administration data
- Interactive maps showing power lines, substations, energy projects
- Spatial relationship analysis with specific addresses
- Comprehensive energy infrastructure coverage
Perfect for: Detailed analysis of electrical infrastructure proximity and energy projects
Pro tip: Excellent for checking proximity to transmission lines, substations, and other energy infrastructure.
3. HowLoud
π Use HowLoud
Key Features:
- "Soundscore" rating for any address
- Traffic, aircraft, and commercial noise analysis
- Easy-to-understand noise level scoring
Perfect for: Quick noise assessment of potential home locations
Pro tip: Some areas may have incomplete data coverage.
Natural Disasters and Environmental Hazards
1. FEMA Flood Map Service
π Use FEMA Flood Maps
Key Features:
- Official flood zone designations
- Risk assessments and insurance requirements
- Interactive flood maps
Perfect for: Understanding flood risk and insurance needs
2. USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
π Use USGS Earthquake Hazards
Key Features:
- Seismic maps and fault line locations
- Historical earthquake data
- Risk zone classifications
Perfect for: Understanding earthquake risk and preparedness
Air and Water Quality
1. EPA - Envirofacts / ECHO
π Use EPA ECHO
Key Features:
- Search for nearby pollution sources and violating facilities
- Environmental compliance data
- Industrial facility information
Perfect for: Identifying potential environmental concerns near properties
2. EPA - MyEnvironment
Key Features:
- Air and water quality data by address
- Nearby Superfund sites and pollution sources
- Environmental health indicators
Perfect for: Comprehensive environmental assessment of potential home locations
3. EPA Radon Zones
π Use EPA Radon Map
Key Features:
- County-level radon risk zones
- National radon risk assessment
- Free public information
Perfect for: Initial radon risk assessment
One-Stop Research Tools
1. Realtor.com - Local Info
Key Features:
- Single page integrating crime, noise, flood, commute data
- Easy-to-use interface
- Comprehensive local information
Perfect for: Quick overview of multiple factors
2. Redfin / Zillow Property Pages
Key Features:
- Flood risk and wildfire risk data (from First Street Foundation)
- Integrated with property listings
- Easy access during home browsing
Perfect for: Quick risk assessment while browsing homes
Summary Recommendations
Crime & Safety β SpotCrime (recent incidents) + NeighborhoodScout (detailed analysis)
Demographics β Census Bureau Interactive Maps
Infrastructure & Noise β EIA Energy Maps + King County iMap + HowLoud
Natural Disasters β FEMA Flood + USGS Earthquake + King County Hazard
Environment β EPA MyEnvironment + Radon Map
One-Stop Overview β Realtor.com Local + Redfin/Zillow property pages
Related Resources
- Neighborhood Research Guide β How to structure location research and avoid common pitfalls
- Spotting Red Flags During Tours β What to watch for once you visit in person
- Reading MLS Like a Pro β Decode listing remarks, parcel notes, and disclosures
- School District Resources β Official data and boundary lookups for Greater Seattle districts
Environmental conditions can change. Always verify current information and consider professional assessments for major concerns.