Amid rising concerns about safety in their neighborhoods, Americans are acquiring local crime information in many ways. From online crime mapping tools to collaboration with police department community policing officers, knowledge of neighborhood-specific crime statistics empowers residents to make informed decisions and participate in safety initiatives in their communities.
According to a new Pew Research Center study, about three-quarters of adults say they often or sometimes get news and information about crime from their local media outlets. That’s higher than shares who regularly get news and information about weather, schools or sports. Americans may also get such data from family and friends, social media platforms or locally focused apps like Nextdoor or Ring.
In addition to analyzing the type of crime they encounter, Americans often look for comparisons between their neighborhood’s crime rates and those in similar locales. This comparative analysis can provide nuanced insights into the specifics of a neighborhood’s crime patterns, including assessing whether a particular trend is seasonal or if there are long-term trends that need to be monitored.
While the overall chance of a crime occurring in a particular locale is relatively low, varying risk factors shape local perceptions of danger. For example, the chances of being a victim of felony assault or murder in New York City can vary dramatically by borough and neighborhood. In 2024, for example, Manhattan residents had a 1.3 in 10 million daily chance of being a victim of either crime, while Brooklyn residents had a much lower rate.
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