The Big Picture

This study explores the social contexts of violent crime in four U.S. cities with high crime rates: Houston, TX; Baltimore, MD; Jackson, MS; and Wilmington, DE. The researchers sought to identify common environmental and social factors associated with crime in these locations.
What We Did

The study conducted two analyses: 

  1. Compared each city’s data with national county-level health outcomes.
  2. Investigated community-level correlates of crime within the four cities.
The researchers analyzed variables such as health outcomes, socio-economic factors, and physical environment features to identify patterns that may contribute to the high rates of violent crime in these cities.

1

Common Social Contexts:

– High rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), air pollution, single-parent homes, food insecurity, and insufficient sleep were prevalent in all four cities.

– These cities also had high residential segregation, housing cost burdens, fewer older adults, and more females compared to national averages.

2

Unique Findings:

– Despite high crime rates, all four cities had lower suicide rates compared to the national average.

– At the community level, unemployment, community stress, median household income, and population density correlated with higher crime rates.

– While these cities had a higher proportion of Black residents, the study found that class-related issues, rather than race per se, were more strongly associated with violent crime.

Understanding the ecological contexts in which violent crime occurs can inform targeted interventions:

1

Addressing public health concerns such as STDs, food insecurity, and mental health access can reduce risk factors for crime.

2

Reducing residential segregation and economic inequalities can alleviate community stressors that contribute to crime.
To address violent crime, the study suggests:

1

Enhancing economic opportunities and support for single-parent households.

2

Improving environmental factors, such as reducing air pollution and increasing access to healthy food options.

3

Promoting community engagement and informal social controls to foster social cohesion.

The big takeaway?

Reducing violent crime requires a multifaceted approach that addresses broader social, economic, and environmental stressors rather than focusing solely on race or policing strategies.

About the Study

This research was published in Crime & Delinquency in 2021. The full APA citation is: Smith, S., Ferguson, C. J., & Henderson, H. (2021). An Exploratory Study of Environmental Stress in Four High Violent Crime Cities: What Sets Them Apart? Crime & Delinquency, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/00111287211057858