NCJ Number
130412
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1991) Pages: 29-41
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examines the impact of socioeconomic conditions on property and violent crimes in the 13 predominantly rural counties of east-central Georgia, using data from 1975 to 1985.
Abstract
Data on violent offenses (homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery) and property offenses (larceny theft, burglary, arson, and auto theft) were obtained from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for the years 1975 to 1985. Social structure was measured through the following variables: population size, percentage of population black, and proportion of population aged 15 to 39. The economic variables measured were unemployment, proportion of population living in poverty, and percentage of families receiving government aid. Ordinary least-squares regression models were used to estimate the effects of the independent variables on the violent crime and property crime rates. Findings indicate that the empirical measures of the independent variables are particularly effective predictors of rural property crimes more so than of violent crimes. The success of the predictors in explaining property crime rates can be attributed largely to their predictive power in regard to the modal types of property crimes that occur in American society. Theoretical and methodological limitations and policy implications are discussed. 2 tables and 66 references