Frequently Asked Questions

Schools are ranked using a proprietary ranking algorithm developed by SmartAsset. Rankings are based primarily off of two metrics: math and reading proficiency. This data is compiled by the department of education on a school-level basis and then ranked according to school size.

Source: National Center for Education Services (NCES) and the U.S. Department of Education

Crime statistics are pulled on a county-level directly from FBI crime statistics databases and ranked based on relative crime metrics within each state.

Source: FBI Crime Statistics database

All demographic data is sourced directly from Census databases accessible for each county.

Source U.S. Census Department

Population and income growth statistics are sourced from ACS, a statistical bureau within the Census department.

Source: ACS 5-Year Estimates

Historical housing data is a compilation of data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency interpreted by Moody’s.

Source: Moody's Analytics (FHFA House-Price Index)

SmartAsset determines the estimated price of a house based off of estimates provided by Zillow and Epraisal. These estimates are largely based off of recent sales and pricing of comparable homes.

Source: © 2007-2009 Eppraisal.com, Inc. Use is subject to http://www.eppraisal.com/TermsOfUse.aspx

Source: © Zillow, Inc., 2006-2013. Use is subject to Terms of Use.

Growth rates are calculated using projected home value data provided by Moody's Investor Services using their proprietary algorithmic forecasting data.

Growth rates shown are compound annual growth rates ("CAGRs"). The CAGR is an estimate of the average annual price appreciation over the time period selected.

Data source: Moody's Analytics Inc.