Fear of Crime Reaches the Highest Level in Three Decades.
Escalating crime fears signal a pivotal shift in Americans’ security outlook.
Urban and poor Americans report the highest levels of fear.
Escalating crime fears signal a pivotal shift in Americans’ security outlook.
WHY IT MATTERS – Crime could be a decisive issue in the 2024 election.
THE NUMBERS – In Gallup’s annual Crime poll from Oct. 2-23, Americans were surveyed about their personal safety and fear of falling victim to specific crimes. The survey measured Americans’ apprehension and integrated insights from an Oct. 4-16 Gallup Panel that explored how the fear of crime or violence may deter Americans from their daily activities.
In 2023, 40% of Americans feared for their safety when alone at night within a mile of home. Historical data reveals the following trends:
2020 – 29%, a record-low in the first year of the pandemic
1993 – 43%, amid one of the worst U.S. crime waves
1982 – 48%, a high-crime period with a notably high New York murder rate
Fear of crime based on residents’ areas:
49% – annual income of less than $40,000
39% – annual income between $40,000 to $99,999
31% – annual income of $100,000 or more
Fear of crime based on location:
50% – cities
39% – suburbs
30% – town/rural areas
There was a sharp rise in frequent or occasional fear of falling victim to four specific crimes, surpassing pre-pandemic levels:
50% – Car Theft (+16 %)
37% – Robbery (+13%)
32% – Assault while driving (+9%)
28% – Murder (+11%)
Identity theft consistently remains the top crime concern for U.S. adults, with 72% expressing frequent or occasional fear.
Fear of crime or violence has prevented Americans from doing the following:
34% avoid driving through certain areas of their town or city.
31% avoid walking, jogging, or running alone.
28% avoid attending concerts and other crowded events.
28% avoid talking to strangers.
17% avoid shopping malls.
THE BOTTOM LINE – Amid today’s uncertainties, a clear reality persists—Americans do not feel safe.
GO DEEPER – Personal Safety Fears at Three-Decade High in U.S.