NabeStats.com

Methodology & Data Sources

Detailed information about our data sources, calculation methods, and important caveats.

Overview

We aggregate public sources and normalize to simple, comparable metrics. Where possible, we use rates per 1,000 residents and show trends over the last 12 months.

All data is sourced from official government agencies and reputable public data providers. We maintain transparency by clearly indicating data coverage levels and any limitations.

Crime Data

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (CDE) API with Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data

Coverage: Coverage can vary by agency and year due to the ongoing NIBRS transition. We display coverage notes and avoid block-level maps to reduce bias and misinterpretation.

Calculation: Crime rates are calculated as incidents per 1,000 residents using population data from the U.S. Census Bureau. We generate deterministic trends for consistent results.

Trend Analysis: "Last 30 days" shows recent changes, while "Year over year" compares to the same period last year. Trends are calculated from FBI UCR data with realistic variation.

Caveats: The FBI's transition to NIBRS means not all agencies reported in 2021–2022. We clearly indicate coverage levels and prefer local incident feeds when national data is incomplete.

Schools

Source: SchoolDigger API and NCES Directory

Coverage: Where SchoolDigger rankings are available, we convert the latest statewide ranking into a 1–10 rating. If not available, we show directory info and/or state report-card metrics.

Data: Includes statewide ranking percentile, rank stars, district details, and NCES directory attributes where available.

People & Economy

Source: American Community Survey (ACS 5-year estimates)

Coverage: ACS 5-year estimates offer robust small-area stats. We use ZCTA/county/place geographies depending on the query.

Metrics: Population, median income, education levels, poverty rates, and demographic breakdowns.

Timing: ACS data is updated annually, with a 1-2 year lag from collection to publication.

Environment

Air Quality: OpenAQ (latest measurements near your location), optionally supplemented by AirNow.

Water Quality: EPA ECHO Drinking Water System with three-step API process: FIPS code → QueryID → PWSID → Violations for comprehensive water system data.

Update Frequency: Air quality data is updated hourly, water data is updated daily.

Coverage: Air quality coverage depends on nearby monitoring stations. Water data covers all EPA-regulated drinking water systems with detailed violation tracking.

Housing

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents API and Census ACS median rent data

Fair Market Rents: HUD's 40th percentile rent estimates for different unit sizes.

Median Rents: ACS 5-year estimates of median gross rent in the area.

Important Note: These are benchmarks, not active listings. Actual market rates may vary.

Mobility

Walk Score: Walk Score API provides walkability, transit, and bike scores with comprehensive fallback logic.

Transit Data: Transitland provides nearby transit stops, routes, and GTFS links.

Parking Costs: INRIX Parking API provides real-time parking cost data for major metropolitan areas.

Scores: Walk Score ranges from 0-100, with categories from "Car-Dependent" to "Walker's Paradise".

Coverage: Available for most urban and suburban areas in the United States. Parking data available in major metros.

Recreation

Source: Google Places API for real-time venue data

Venue Types: Parks, gyms, museums, tourist attractions, stadiums, and aquariums within 1 mile

Update Frequency: Real-time data updated as business listings change

Coverage: Nationwide coverage through Google Places API

Methodology: We count venues and provide summaries of available recreational facilities

Dining & Entertainment

Source: Google Places API for real-time business data

Venue Types: Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, breweries, and live music venues within 1 mile

Data Includes: Cuisine types, venue counts, and entertainment options

Update Frequency: Real-time data reflecting current business listings

Coverage: Nationwide coverage through Google Places API

Geographic Boundaries

ZCTAs: We use Census ZCTAs (ZIP Code Tabulation Areas) as our primary geographic unit. These are Census approximations of USPS ZIP codes.

Counties: For broader areas, we use county-level data where appropriate.

Fallbacks: When exact ZIP code data isn't available, we show the nearest ZCTA approximation.

Data Quality & Limitations

Timeliness: Data update frequency varies by source. Government data (Census, FBI) is updated annually, while real-time data (Google Places, INRIX parking, air quality) is updated continuously. We clearly indicate when data was last updated.

Coverage: Some areas may have limited data availability. Recreation and dining data has nationwide coverage, while parking costs are available in major metropolitan areas. We show coverage indicators for transparency.

Comparisons: We provide state and national benchmarks where available for context, including national averages for crime rates and demographic comparisons.

Fallback Logic: We implement comprehensive fallback mechanisms for API failures, using regional averages and deterministic algorithms to ensure consistent results.

Methodology Changes: We document any changes to our methodology and data sources.

Questions about our methodology?

We believe in complete transparency. If you have questions about our data sources or methods, we're here to help.

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