What to Say (and Not Say) When Asked About Crime, Schools, or Demographics

Buying a home isn’t just about the house – it’s about the community. Naturally, clients will ask real estate agents questions like “Is this a safe neighborhood?”, “How are the schools here?”, or “What kind of people live in this area?”

As a real estate professional (and especially as one who values ethics and Real estate continuing education), you must handle these questions with care. Fair housing laws set legal boundaries on how we discuss neighborhood features.

In this post, we’ll break down what you should and should not say about crime rates, school quality, or demographics. We’ll also share practical scripts and trustworthy resources (school rating sites, crime databases, etc.) that let you answer clients lawfully and helpfully.

Why These Questions Are Tricky (Fair Housing 101)

On the surface, questions about schools or safety seem harmless. But your answers could violate the Fair Housing Act if you’re not careful. Federal law prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. That means as an agent you must avoid statements that “steer” buyers toward or away from a neighborhood because of who lives there ​nar.realtor. Even innocent opinions can be a form of illegal steering.

For example, telling someone a neighborhood is “great” or a school district is “the best” might seem positive, but it could be interpreted as guiding a buyer to (or away from) an area based on its demographics​.

Did you know? In a 2019 investigation, Newsday found that some agents:Used schools as a proxy for race to steer people (e.g. only showing “good school” areas to certain buyers).Expressed personal views about communities or schools to influence buyers’ choices ​nar.realtor.
This is exactly what fair housing rules forbid. So when clients ask about crime, schools, or the people in a neighborhood, you must stick to facts and avoid personal opinions that might be read as discriminatory.

What NOT to Say: Personal Opinions or Broad Generalizations

First, let’s be clear on what you should avoid saying.

Avoid subjective words like “safe,” “good,” “bad,” or “nice” to describe areas

These are ambiguous and can be interpreted as coded language. If you say “It’s a nice neighborhood” or “I’d say it’s safe,” you’re giving a personal judgment that could be seen as endorsing or dissuading based on who lives there. One broker warns that it’s “very easy for a real estate professional to begin down a slippery slope of a potential Fair Housing violation when answering questions” about neighborhood quality ​nar.realtor.

Never mention or imply the race, religion, etc. of residents.

For example, “There’s a large [ethnic group] community here” or “Mostly [religion] families live in this area” – statements like these are off-limits. Even if a client directly asks about the demographics, do not confirm or deny what groups live there. Suggesting a neighborhood “might not be comfortable for you” because of who lives there is blatant steering​. Remember: focusing on the “type” of people in an area, rather than the properties, is discriminatory​.

Don’t play “tour guide” on crime or school quality with your personal beliefs

For instance, saying “Oh, you don’t want to live on that side of town, the crime is bad” or “This school is top-notch, way better than the one across town” is problematic. These kinds of comments can quickly lead to Fair Housing trouble. If you label one area as “safe” or “family-friendly,” by contrast it implies other areas are not – which may correlate with protected class makeup. Better to provide data and let the client decide what they consider acceptable ​nar.realtor.

In short, steer clear of subjective assessments. As one fair housing course put it: an agent should give objective information, not personal opinions of what they think the buyer wants to hear​. Stick to the property’s features, not the neighbors.

How to Answer Lawfully: Stick to Facts and Be a “Source of Sources”

So what can you say when faced with these questions? The key is to provide objective, verifiable information and/or direct clients to reliable third-party resources. This way, they can interpret the data themselves, and you remain compliant. Think of yourself as a “source of sources” – you connect clients with information instead of being the information source on sensitive topics ​nar.realtor. Let’s break it down by topic.

1. When asked about schools

Clients often ask, “How are the schools here?” Instead of offering your opinion (“It’s a great school” or “I’m not a fan of that school”), guide them to neutral data:

• Point to school rating websites or official reports. For example: “There’s a state website that compares school performance, and sites like GreatSchools provide ratings and parent reviews. I can send you the links so you can check out test scores and programs at the local schools.” This approach is recommended by experts: “When customers ask, ‘How are the schools?’ the best thing a licensee can do is guide them to third-party information, so they can make a decision on their own.”​. Objective facts (like test scores, student-teacher ratios, etc.) are easy to document and widely available online​. For example, GreatSchools.org provides standardized school ratings on a 1–10 scale along with reviews​ greatschools.org. State Department of Education report cards or websites like SchoolDigger and Niche can also offer statistics.
• Provide a range of options, not just one “best” school area. If schools are a priority for your buyer, don’t automatically narrow their search to one school district. Fair housing educators suggest offering choices to avoid accidental steering: a buyer who asks for a certain district likely has other criteria too (price, home size, etc.). Include listings that meet those criteria even if they lie in a different district, and let the buyer decide what trade-offs to make​. “Offering housing that meets the buyer’s needs but is outside their stated school district is a way to expand choices,” and ensures you’re not limiting them beyond what they asked​.

Sample Script: “I can’t personally evaluate the schools, but I can direct you to the district’s performance reports and third-party school rating sites. That way, you can see test scores, programs, and reviews for each school and decide which meets your needs​ nar.realtor.”
(If pressed for your opinion:) “Every family has different priorities – some look for sports programs, others for STEM or arts. The school’s website and GreatSchools profiles will give you objective info on those offerings. Let’s gather that data so you can make the call.”

2. When asked about crime or safety

Almost every client wants to know they’ll feel safe. But stating “low crime” or “high crime” is problematic for an agent – it’s subjective and could be perceived as bias. Here’s what to do:

• Refer them to crime statistics from police or city sources. Tell your clients where they can find up-to-date crime data. For example: “You can check the city’s public crime map or the police department’s website for crime reports in this neighborhood. They publish the number of incidents by area.” Many local police departments or city governments have online crime maps (for instance, LexisNexis Community Crime Map or CrimeMapping.com) or publish weekly/monthly crime stats. By pointing clients to these factual databases, you avoid making unsupported claims. As one fair housing guide advises: “If they want to know about crime statistics, refer them to the local police or other sources of relevant information.”​. This keeps you firmly in the realm of objective data.
• Don’t parrot neighborhood reputations or rumors. Sometimes clients ask, “Is this a safe neighborhood?” It’s tempting to reassure them, especially if you feel it is safe. But remember, your idea of “safe” might be based on who lives there or other subjective factors. A fair housing course instructs agents not to comment on the quality of a neighborhood, only on the facts​. Crime data is factual; adjectives are not. Even saying “I haven’t heard of any problems” is risky – it’s anecdotal and if later something occurs, the buyer could feel misled. It’s best to politely say you cannot opine on safety, but you can show them how to research it.

Sample Script: “I understand safety is important. I can’t personally guarantee how anyone will feel, but I can show you where to find the police department’s crime statistics for this area. Let’s pull up the city’s crime database so you can review the recent reports and make an informed decision.”
(Alternative if they push:) “Because of fair housing laws, I’m actually not allowed to characterize a neighborhood as ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe.’ But I’m happy to point you to the local crime reports. The numbers will speak for themselves, and you can decide what feels comfortable for you.”

3. When asked about demographics or “who lives here”

Questions about the “make-up” of a neighborhood are the most delicate. A client might ask, “What kind of people live in this area? Is it mostly families? Mostly [ethnicity]?” They might be gauging if they’ll fit in. However, answering this directly is a minefield:

• Point them to census data or city demographics. You can tell them where to find statistical information on population. For example: “The U.S. Census Bureau has detailed demographics for every community. The city’s website or census QuickFacts tool can show you the breakdown by age, family size, etc., in this ZIP code.” This way, you’re not the one describing the population – you’re letting official data do it. As one training suggests: “If they are curious about the demographics in the area, refer them to the U.S. Census Bureau website, your city website, or other local resources where they can find ethnic or income breakdowns.”​. The U.S. Census QuickFacts page is a great starting point – it provides statistics on race, age, and more for cities and counties in an easy format ​usa.gov. Some city or county websites also publish community demographic profiles. Provide those links instead of you characterizing the neighborhood.

• Emphasize your role in providing options, not judgments. Let the client know you’re focused on finding homes that meet their criteria (beds, baths, price, etc.). The people who live nearby are something they can learn about on their own. You might say, “I can’t speculate about who your neighbors might be – and communities can change over time. But what I can do is show you the census data for the area. That’s publicly available information you can review to get a sense of demographics.” This reinforces that you’re not hiding anything; rather, you’re empowering them to research factual info.

Sample Script: “Because fair housing rules are strict, I stay away from characterizing the neighborhood’s residents. However, the U.S. Census Bureau has a public site with demographics for this ZIP code – it shows age groups, household types, and more. I can help you navigate that if you’d like to see the data.”
(If client asks specifically about a protected trait, e.g. “Are there a lot of [ethnic group] here?”) “I’m sorry, I can’t answer that. It’s actually illegal for me to discuss residents’ race or ethnicity. I can point you to the official census statistics, though, and you can see the breakdown by percentages.”
(If they ask if they would ‘fit in’ there:) “I work with people of all backgrounds in all neighborhoods, so I’m confident we can find a community where you’ll feel at home. Let’s focus on the features you want in an area (like amenities, commute, etc.), and I can provide you demographic data sources to help you round out the picture.”

Providing Helpful Resources (Instead of Your Opinions)

As mentioned, being a “source of sources” is the best practice here​ nar.realtor. Many brokers even prepare handouts or web links for clients with all these resources – a neutral “information packet.”

In fact, the National Association of REALTORS® suggests creating a standard flyer or template for every client with links to school info, crime data, and demographic sources​ nar.realtor. This ensures every client gets the exact same information from you, helping you remain consistent and fair​ nar.realtor. Consistency is crucial; it protects you from any appearance of favoritism or steering. Here are some go-to resources you can use or share with buyers.

School Information

• State Department of Education School Report Cards – Most states publish report cards for each public school, showing test scores, graduation rates, etc.
• GreatSchools.org – A popular site aggregating test scores and parent reviews. For example, GreatSchools provides a 1–10 rating for schools and details on academic performance and equity measures ​greatschools.org.
• Local School District Website – Often has info on programs, extracurriculars, and enrollment. Some states even have comparison tools for schools​.

Crime Statistics

• City or County Police Department Crime Map/Reports – e.g., many police departments use LexisNexis Community Crime Map or CrimeMapping.com to show recent crimes on a map. Alternatively, the department’s annual crime report or weekly CompStat (in cities like New York) gives official stats ​nyc.gov.
• Neighborhood Scout or City-Data Forums – These can show crime indices, but be cautious; data quality varies. It’s safer to stick to official sources so you’re not relaying possibly biased info.
• State FBI Crime Data Explorer – The FBI publishes crime data by city, though it can be a bit technical to navigate.
• Demographics and Community Data:
  • U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts – A user-friendly tool where one can enter a city or ZIP code and get demographic stats (age, race, income, etc.)​ usa.gov.
  • Local Government or Chamber of Commerce – They often have a “Community Profile” with demographic and economic data.
  • School District or Library – Surprisingly, school district websites sometimes have community demographic info (since it affects school planning). Libraries or local universities might also compile community profiles.

Providing these resources not only keeps you on the right side of the law, it positions you as a helpful expert. You’re showing clients where to find answers to any community question – which is valuable, especially for out-of-town buyers who don’t know where to look.

One broker explains that he acts as the “source of sources” for new clients, giving them a variety of objective sources so they can “make decisions for themselves” about neighborhoods ​nar.realtor.

By doing this, “the key is to give buyers the resources they need to make the decision for themselves. Let objective information, not subjective information, be the guide.”​ nar.realtor. You remain impartial and compliant, and the clients feel empowered.

What If the Client Pushes for Your Opinion?

Sometimes clients will still press you: “Just between us, would YOU live here? Do you think it’s a safe place for my family?” It can be awkward, but it’s important to hold your ground. Here are some tips for these situations.

Cite the Law (Politely)

It’s okay to gently remind them that you are bound by fair housing laws, which prevent you from giving certain opinions. For example: “I wish I could be more forthcoming, but fair housing regulations actually prohibit me from saying anything that might be seen as bias. I can’t risk breaking the law or steering you wrong. I hope you understand.” Most clients will appreciate the integrity behind this.

Re-focus on their specific needs

Often, words like “safe” or “nice” are catch-alls. Try to dig deeper into what the client really wants to know. NAR suggests when a client uses vague terms like “good neighborhood” or “safe area,” ask follow-up questions: “What does a safe neighborhood look like to you? Is it one with low reported crime, or more about the feel of the community?”​ nar.realtor.

Or “When you say a ‘good’ school, what programs or qualities are important to you?” By understanding their underlying concerns, you can address those specifically (with facts) instead of making blanket statements​ nar.realtor.

For instance, if “safe” to them means well-lit streets and active Neighborhood Watch, you could help gather info on those aspects (number of streetlights, presence of community watch signs) without ever labeling the area “safe” or “unsafe.”

Offer to connect them with locals

If appropriate, you might say: “Everyone’s comfort level is different. I can introduce you to some residents or the neighborhood association, so you can ask them about their experience here.” Hearing it from a neighbor directly could give the client perspective, and it removes you from being the one making the judgment. (Just be cautious that those residents also don’t say something discriminatory! Generally, sticking to formal info is safest.)

Above all, maintain a friendly, understanding tone. It is natural for buyers to want reassurance. Your role is to reassure them by empowering them with information, not personal opinion.

Educate, Don’t Speculate

At the end of the day, your job is to help clients find a home that meets their needs – within the bounds of the law. By educating clients with data and resources, you help them answer their own questions about crime, schools, and demographics.

This approach keeps you compliant with fair housing laws and builds trust with clients. They’ll see that you’re honest, knowledgeable, and looking out for their best interests in a professional way.

Remember, fair housing isn’t just a legal duty – it’s a cornerstone of ethical real estate practice. Many agents first learn these skills in their Real Estate CE courses on fair housing, but putting them into practice is the real test.

As you continue your continuing education for real estate agents, keep sharpening your scripts for these questions. The more comfortable you get with saying “Here’s where you can find that information” instead of giving a quick off-the-cuff answer, the more you protect yourself and serve your clients.

Takeaway: Stick to facts, use third-party sources, and treat every client to the same quality information. By doing so, you’ll stay on the right side of the Fair Housing Act and help buyers make confident, informed decisions on their own. This balanced approach is not only lawful – it’s good business.

To Learn More...

For real estate professionals, understanding these concepts can be particularly valuable during discussions with clients about why REALTORS® and real estate agents are knowledgable professionals.

If you’re preparing for your Real Estate Continuing Education or looking to enhance your knowledge through a Real Estate Course, topics like fair housing and confronting racial discrimination can help set you apart.

As part of your License Renewal Course or other Real Estate CE efforts, staying informed on foundational property concepts can make a big difference in your expertise and client relationships.