Crime Safety is the Leading Reason Why Homeowners are Moving

Concerns about crime safety are increasingly influencing homeowners’ decisions to relocate, according to a recent survey conducted by Redfin and Ipsos. The survey, which gathered insights from over 1,800 U.S. homeowners and renters, revealed that 17.5% of respondents planning to move cited concerns about crime safety as a primary reason. This factor has surpassed other traditional motivators like lower property taxes and access to better schools.

Crime Safety - The Home Atlas — Concern about crime safety drives 17.5% of homeowners to move, revealing a growing trend in housing decisions. Learn more about what’s shaping relocation trends.

Why Crime Safety Tops the List of Moving Motivations

The desire to feel secure in one’s home is a fundamental human need. The Redfin survey highlights that worries about crime safety are not confined to any specific demographic. Homeowners, renters, and people across generations share this concern, although women and homeowners reported higher levels of apprehension about safety.

For homeowners, the stakes are particularly high. Not only is their personal safety at risk, but their property investment can also be jeopardized in areas with rising crime rates. This double-edged concern often drives families to prioritize safety over other considerations when choosing their next home.

The Role of Climate Risks and Other Moving Factors

While crime safety remains a top concern, climate-related risks are also gaining prominence. Nearly 14% of survey respondents cited natural disasters and climate risks as reasons for moving, underscoring the increasing impact of environmental changes on housing decisions. From rising insurance premiums to the physical dangers posed by extreme weather events, these risks are causing families to seek safer and more stable locations.

Other motivators include a desire for more space (31.2%), upgrading to better neighborhoods (25.4%), and reducing overall living costs (21.6%). However, these factors often come second to the primary need for security and peace of mind.

How Demographics Shape Moving Decisions

The survey reveals some interesting demographic trends. Women (20%) were more likely than men (13.8%) to cite crime safety as a concern. Similarly, homeowners (20.4%) were more concerned about crime than renters (16.3%). Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, also reported significant concerns about both safety and climate risks, reflecting their long-term stakes in these decisions.

The data also suggest that certain groups are more proactive about addressing safety concerns by moving. This includes families with children, who often place a higher emphasis on secure neighborhoods, and individuals planning to retire, who seek peaceful and low-crime areas for their golden years.

Safety First in Relocation Decisions

For many Americans, the decision to move is driven by a quest for better living conditions, and crime safety stands out as a major factor. The Redfin survey underscores that personal safety, property security, and financial stability are key considerations in today’s housing market. As crime and climate risks continue to shape the nation, it’s clear that these factors will play an increasingly significant role in relocation trends.