Neighborhood Intelligence Glossary & Formulas

A multi-factor weighted algorithm synthesizing 38 civic indicators. Weights are calibrated against national baseline distributions so a score of 80+ places a postal code in the top 10% nationally.

• Low: Below 50 (Grade D to C-): High commuter drag or capital-constrained affordability.
• Balanced: 50–74 (Grade C to B): Balanced metropolitan baseline with standard civic access.
• High: 75–100 (Grade B+ to A+): Elite national livability corridor with top-tier schools, safety, and transit.

Measures capital efficiency and cash-flow potential. Higher yields signal stronger rent coverage against debt service, while lower yields indicate pure equity-appreciation markets.

• Low: Under 3.5%: Capital Constrained / Heavy Equity Market (e.g. high-cost coastal metros).
• Balanced: 3.5% – 5.5%: Balanced Metropolitan Yield with sustainable rent-to-price ratios.
• High: Over 5.5%: Strong Cash Flow Market with high monthly net yield.

Indicates how many years of gross rent are required to purchase the underlying property. High multiples suggest housing valuation premiums; low multiples suggest purchasing favors buyers.

• Low: 1 to 15: Favors Buying. Purchasing a home is typically more cost-effective than long-term renting.
• Balanced: 16 to 20: Balanced Neutral Zone. Buying and renting have roughly equivalent financial trade-offs.
• High: 21+: Favors Renting. Renting preserves significant capital compared to purchasing carrying costs.

Standard measure of tenant affordability and cost-burden. Ratios exceeding 30% are classified by government housing agencies as cost-burdened.

• Low: Under 22%: High Affordability / Discretionary Surplus. Residents retain significant disposable income.
• Balanced: 22% – 30%: Sustainable Baseline. Aligned with healthy metropolitan budgeting norms.
• High: Over 30%: Cost Burdened. Rents strain median household earnings, increasing default and turnover risk.

Measures the monetary surcharge or discount for living in a high-accessibility transit core versus the regional suburban average.

• Low: -$300 or lower: Commuter Discount Corridor (suburban savings offset by longer travel times).
• Balanced: -$100 to +$200: Regional Parity (aligned with metro baseline).
• High: +$400 or higher: Transit Core Premium (paying significant dollar premiums for central walkability).

Unlike nominal millage rates that apply to assessed values, the effective tax rate reflects actual taxes paid against full market valuation.

• Low: Under 0.90%: Tax Advantaged (e.g., Alberta, Colorado, Hawaii, Utah).
• Balanced: 0.90% – 1.65%: National Average Baseline across North American metropolitan areas.
• High: Over 1.70%: Heavy Tax Burden (e.g., Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, New York suburbs).

Older housing stock (built before 1980) requires higher ongoing reserves for roofing, plumbing, HVAC, and wiring, whereas post-2005 construction offers lower short-term maintenance.

• Low: Built before 1970 (55+ yrs): Vintage / High Maintenance (recommend 8–10% CapEx reserves).
• Balanced: 1970–2000 (25–55 yrs): Mid-Century / Maturing (recommend 6–8% CapEx reserves).
• High: Built after 2005 (<20 yrs): Modern / Low Maintenance (recommend 4–5% CapEx reserves).

Signals long-term appreciation momentum and neighborhood renewal before price shifts are fully reflected in lagging median home valuation indexes.

• Low: Under 35: Established / Low Turnover. Stable legacy neighborhood with minimal structural demographic shift.
• Balanced: 35–65: Steady Growth. Healthy organic income and commercial development.
• High: 66–100: High Influx / Rapid Momentum. High concentration of incoming capital, degrees, and corporate permits.

Published research demonstrates strong correlation between street-level night illumination and reduced evening crime incidents and pedestrian hazards.

• Low: Under 50: Sparse Illumination. Primarily rural, semi-suburban, or under-lit residential blocks.
• Balanced: 50–74: Standard Municipal Lighting. Typical suburban streetlight grid.
• High: 75–100: High-Density Illumination. Continuous LED coverage with minimal blind spots.

Heavily weights violent offenses (assault, robbery) while contextualizing property crime against metropolitan commercial densities.

• Low: Below 55: Elevated crime density requiring heightened situational awareness.
• Balanced: 55–79: Typical urban/suburban baseline with standard civic policing coverage.
• High: 80–100: Top quintile safety corridor with low incident rates and high street tranquility.

Scores the true 15-minute city concept: whether a resident can accomplish 80%+ of daily errands on foot without requiring personal vehicle ignition.

• Low: 0–45: Car-Dependent. Daily errands require an automobile.
• Balanced: 46–70: Somewhat Walkable. Some daily destinations reachable on foot, but personal vehicle recommended.
• High: 71–100: Walker’s Paradise. Daily errands do not require a personal automobile.

In designated high-risk flood zones (Zone AE, A, or VE), mortgage lenders legally mandate flood insurance coverage, creating a direct recurring financial deduction from net cash flow.

• Low: Minimal Risk: Zone X / Class 1. Parcels are outside the 100-year base flood envelope.
• Balanced: Moderate Risk: 500-year flood zone or localized waterfront drainage buffer.
• High: High Risk: Zone AE / VE (100-year coastal or riverine flood envelope).

Municipalities across North America enforce strict bylaws ranging from total bans to primary-residence occupancy requirements, with steep civil fines for unauthorized operation.

• Low: Prohibited: Un-hosted short-term rentals strictly illegal under municipal code.
• Balanced: Primary Residence Only: Allowed only if owner occupies unit 180+ days per year (e.g. Austin, Toronto).
• High: Permitted / Licensed: Dedicated investor short-term rentals allowed with annual municipal permit.