Public Data to Share with Clients

May 01, 2020

Most buyers want to learn as much as possible about the properties they are considering. There is a wealth of publicly available information online that you can share with your clients.

Crime statistics: The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) compiles crime statistics searchable by county. Many cities and counties offer crime maps on their websites.
txucr.nibrs.com

Sex offender registry: Texas DPS also maintains the state’s sex offender registry, which is searchable by name and address, city, and ZIP code.
records.txdps.state.tx.us/SexOffenderRegistry

U.S. Census data: The U.S. Census provides detailed population information. The most recent completed census took place in 2010, but the federal government publishes updated data and projections between censuses.
data.census.gov/cedsci

School rankings: The Texas Education Agency’s site offers data on academic performance by school district.
analyze.txschools.gov

Flood maps: FEMA provides interactive flood maps that show potential risk areas.
msc.fema.gov/portal/search

Water quality: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) presents data on drinking water quality and standards compliance.
dww2.tceq.texas.gov/DWW

Air quality: TCEQ also forecasts air quality for major cities.
tceq.texas.gov

Traffic and road conditions: The Texas Department of Transportation has traffic maps, road closures, and incidents on its website.
transguide.dot.state.tx.us

Remember to comply with fair housing laws and the Code of Ethics, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity under the Code of Ethics), familial status, or disability. Access to public data should be provided equally and on a consistent basis.

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