Sex Offenders Near You: Stats and Resources for 2020

Ever wonder if there are sex offenders in your neighborhood? While it's not likely that a known sex offender would be a danger to your or your loved ones, sex offender information is public for safety reasons.

In this report, we used public information to determine which US states have the most sex offenders per capita. We share our findings below, along with some resources and tips to help keep you and your family safer.

Map of most sex offenders in the U S A by state

Which states have the most sex offenders?

Oregon has the highest rate of sex offenders at 688 per 100,000 residents. Arkansas isn’t far behind with 536.

If you want to know whether your state is one of the worst for sex offenders, here are the 10 states with the most sex offenders per capita.

States with the fewest sex offenders

Maryland has the fewest sex offenders at 125 per 100,000 residents. Indiana is a close second with 150. Does your state fall in our top 10?

These are the states with the lowest rates of sex offenders:

Methodology

Our report uses data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children*, which performs annual surveys of individual sex offender registries for each state.

We compared the total number of offenders with census data to determine the number of registered sex offenders per 100,000 residents in each state.

*Editor's note: This data has been since been removed from the source's website. For questions about the data or methodology, email hello@asecurelife.com.


How to find sex offenders near you

 If you live in a state with a higher rate of sex offenders, there are some resources you can use to keep track of registered offenders in your neighborhood.

Family Watchdog

Family Watchdog lets you search by ZIP code, address, or school name to show the addresses of nearby sex offenders. The service is free and uses public records to compile an accurate map of nearby offenders, as well as the severity of their charges. Offender profiles show a photo, which we find useful.

National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW)

The NSOPW is the Department of Justice’s sex offender registry. It works a lot like Family Watchdog, but it recently released a mobile app that includes a map and lets you search for nearby offenders by name, ZIP code, and address.


How does the sex offender registry work?

A sex offender registry helps governments and local authorities keep track of sex offenders. Sex offenders are legally obligated to register and update local authorities on any changes to their address.

The US uses an offense-based registry, a black-and-white approach to labeling sex offenders that leaves the severity of an offender’s crimes uncertain. That also means it’s harder to know the risk level if you’re living in their neighborhood. If you want to learn more about a local sex offender’s arrest history, Family Watchdog can help you gain access to their arrest records.


Safety tips for you and your family

Sex offenders move as much as anyone else. Check back on the registry periodically to keep an eye on any new offenders that might have recently moved into your neighborhood.

Many people in the sex offender registry aren’t a threat to you and your family, but it’s still smart to take some precautions. So if you find one or more registered sex offenders living in your neighborhood, there are some things you can do to ensure the safety of your family.

 Get to know your neighbors

It’s a good idea in general to get to know your neighbors, but if there’s a sex offender in your neighborhood, they can help keep an eye on your kids when they’re playing outside or waiting at the bus stop in the morning—especially if they have kids as well.

Set safety standards with your kids

Don’t let your kids wander the neighborhood alone. Make sure they’re always with a group or supervised by an adult. Consider driving them to school or walking them to the bus stop so they don’t get caught on their own.

Install a home security system

Upgrade your home with a security system that comes with cameras, motion detectors, and intrusion sensors. That way you can keep a better eye on your home, property, and family’s protection even when you’re not home.
Best Home Security Systems
Frontpoint
Best Value
Our rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5
SimpliSafe
Most Flexible
Our rating:
4.3 out of 5 stars4.3
Vivint
Best High-End System
Our rating:
4.2 out of 5 stars4.2
Ring
Best DIY
Our rating:
4.2 out of 5 stars4.2

Protect yourself

Consider carrying small self-defense items like pepper spray if you’re running or walking alone—especially when it’s dark out.

Keep an eye on the sex offender registry

Sex offenders move as much as anyone else. Check back on the registry periodically to keep an eye on any new offenders that might have recently moved into your neighborhood.

Protecting yourself and your family

Staying safe and protecting your children is easier when you know what you’re up against. For more safety and security advice, sign up for our newsletter:

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.