Frequently Asked Questions
Where does PlainCrime's data come from?
All crime data comes from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, specifically Table 8 (city-level data), Table 10 (county-level data), and the FBI Crime Data Explorer API for state trends. This is the same data used by researchers, journalists, and government agencies nationwide.
How are crime rates calculated?
Crime rates are expressed per 100,000 population. The formula is: (Number of Offenses ÷ Population) × 100,000. This allows fair comparison between jurisdictions of different sizes. Population figures come from FBI-reported populations for each jurisdiction.
My city isn't listed or shows no data. Why?
FBI UCR reporting is voluntary. If a law enforcement agency did not submit data for a given year, that jurisdiction won't appear in the UCR tables. Absence from PlainCrime does not mean zero crime, it means the agency did not participate in that year's reporting cycle.
What is a 'safety grade' and how is it determined?
Safety grades (A through F) compare a jurisdiction's violent and property crime rates against national UCR averages for cities of similar size. An A-grade city has significantly lower crime rates than comparable cities; an F-grade city has significantly higher rates. Grades are relative comparisons, not absolute safety ratings.
Can I rely solely on PlainCrime data to decide where to live?
Crime statistics provide useful context but should not be your only factor. Reporting differences, local definitions, and neighborhood-level variation all affect what the numbers mean. We recommend using PlainCrime alongside local research, neighborhood visits, and community resources.
How current is the crime data?
PlainCrime uses the most recently available FBI UCR annual release. The FBI typically publishes crime statistics about 1 year after the reporting period ends. Our data covers 8,986 U.S. jurisdictions based on the latest available UCR tables.
Is PlainCrime affiliated with the FBI?
No. PlainCrime is an independent data portal built by Kiznis.Studio. We present publicly available FBI UCR data in a searchable format but are not affiliated with the FBI, Department of Justice, or any law enforcement agency.