Distinguishing Factors Behind Violent and Property Crime in the U.S.
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Randy Grant
Subject Area
Economics
Description
This study investigates the economic, social, and policy factors influencing both property and violent crime rates across U.S. states. One objective is to determine whether these crime types share common explanatory variables or if distinct factors contribute to each. This research aims to identify key determinants such as population density, unemployment, police presence, voting patterns, and [insert new variables here]. Preliminary findings indicate that population density has an unexpected negative effect on violent crime, potentially due to multicollinearity. Property crime rates and unemployment show expected positive relationships with violent crime, while police presence per capita exhibits a significant positive effect, likely reflecting increased crime reporting rather than actual crime levels. Voting patterns display a significant negative association with violent crime, aligning with expectations. However, these results will change as further refinements are made and additional variables are analyzed for their impact on both violent and property crime. The insights from this study can assist state governments in effectively allocating resources to target key crime determinants. By distinguishing between factors affecting violent and property crime, policymakers can better tailor interventions to reduce overall crime rates. Future research should continue refining these relationships to enhance understanding of crime dynamics in the United States.
Recommended Citation
Vermeulen, Miki and Nelson, Brynn, "Distinguishing Factors Behind Violent and Property Crime in the U.S." (2025). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 20.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2025/all/20
Distinguishing Factors Behind Violent and Property Crime in the U.S.
This study investigates the economic, social, and policy factors influencing both property and violent crime rates across U.S. states. One objective is to determine whether these crime types share common explanatory variables or if distinct factors contribute to each. This research aims to identify key determinants such as population density, unemployment, police presence, voting patterns, and [insert new variables here]. Preliminary findings indicate that population density has an unexpected negative effect on violent crime, potentially due to multicollinearity. Property crime rates and unemployment show expected positive relationships with violent crime, while police presence per capita exhibits a significant positive effect, likely reflecting increased crime reporting rather than actual crime levels. Voting patterns display a significant negative association with violent crime, aligning with expectations. However, these results will change as further refinements are made and additional variables are analyzed for their impact on both violent and property crime. The insights from this study can assist state governments in effectively allocating resources to target key crime determinants. By distinguishing between factors affecting violent and property crime, policymakers can better tailor interventions to reduce overall crime rates. Future research should continue refining these relationships to enhance understanding of crime dynamics in the United States.
