NCJ Number
100638
Journal
Social Forces Volume: 63 Issue: 2 Dated: (December 1984) Pages: 445-452
Date Published
1984
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A regional study of 299 counties in the Northeastern United States indicates that rurality has a strong positive effect on the homicide rate. This is likely due to poor community integration in rural areas
Abstract
Homicide statistics were aggregated for 1968-77, and the average annual number was used to measure incidence. The population base was the average of the population count in 1970 and the census estimate for 1975. Of the 299 counties, 41 had no urban residents in 1970. These counties were compared with the other counties. In addition to providing data on population, the 1970 census indicates the percentage of families in poverty and the percentage of black residents. The divorce rate was taken from 1970 and 1975 Vital Statistics. Multiple regression analysis estimated the additive effect of rurality on the homicide rate, controlling for other variables. With other homicide correlates controlled, findings show a strong positive effect of rurality on homicide rates. Rural relationships mostly involve family members and friends, and these relationships are not influenced by broader community controls because of the spatial dispersion of residents. Opportunities for violent eruptions in close relationships consequently increase. Tabular data and 12 references.