These Are the 10 Cities Where Violent Crime Is Declining
- Posted on November 25, 2011 at 6:41am by
Becket Adams
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For years, experts have maintained that crime rates increase with rising unemployment and poverty rates. Yet, data released earlier this year from the FBI show a marked decrease in the national violent crime rate between 2005 and 2010 even as unemployment and poverty have continued to skyrocket.
Using the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports database, researchers at 24/7 Wall St. has identified the 10 metropolitan areas where violent crime rates decreased the most.
Nationwide, the crime rate has declined 13.9 percent from 469 incidents per 100,000 individuals in 2005 to 403.6 in 2010. In fact, 2010 was the fourth year in a row crime has declined in the U.S.
Looking at the 328 metropolitan statistical ares (MSAs), it’s clear that in some cities crime rates have dropped even more than the national average. In the ten regions identified on this list, the rate has dropped by 25 percent-50 percent.
The ten cities, however, do not share any clear commonalities that explain the cause behind their decreased crime rates. Some of them have high poverty rates, low median incomes and high unemployment rates. Others are quite wealthy, with high median incomes and low poverty rates that are about half the national average. In many of them, however, crime remains a severe problem, despite the decline.
If poverty and unemployment cannot explain the dramatic drops in crime rates, what can? Research found that what accounted for those declining incidences of assault, murder and robbery were local projects, improvements in law enforcement, and urban development — usually, a combination of these. While many of these cities still have a long way to go, they have had success at fighting crime on a local level.
These are the cities where violent crime is plummeting.
10. Salisbury, MD
5-year decrease in violent crime rate: -237
Violent crime per 100,000 (2005): 906.4
Violent crime per 100,000 (2010): 669.7
Murders per 100,000: 9
In 2005, the Salisbury, Maryland area had the 12th highest violent crime rate in the country. At a rate of 906.4 for every 100,000 residents, it was nearly double the national rate of 469.3. By 2010, however, the region’s rate had dropped 38 percent to 669 violent crimes per 100,00 people. This was still much higher than the national average, and the murder rate actually went up over that time, but a substantial decline in the number of robberies and assaults represented a positive sign for the crime-ridden region.
State Governor Martin O’Malley announced that year a $156,000 grant to Salisbury to start the second Safe Streets program in the state, according to the Baltimore Sun. The program had shown apparent benefits in Annapolis.
9. Savannah, GA
5-year decrease in violent crime rate: -240.4
Violent crime per 100,000 (2005): 582.9
Violent crime per 100,000 (2010): 342.5
Murders per 100,000: 6.5
The metro region of Savannah, Georgia had a violent crime rate of 582.9 per 100,000 residents in 2005, which was well above the national rate, and the second-highest rate in the state. In 2010, that number had dropped 41 percent to 342.5, putting it below the national average of 403.6. In that time, the rate of robberies dropped 37 percent, and the rate of aggravated assault dropped 42 percent.
In a 2009 speech elaborating on his stimulus package, president Obama named Savannah as a target area for Justice Assistance Grant, or “JAG” funds.
“Savannah, Georgia Police Department would use the Byrne JAG funds for crime and intelligence analysts. The stimulus funding would also be targeted for juvenile prevention and intervention efforts in Savannah. The department intends to bridge the school resource and community gaps by adding police officers specifically to work with the schools and communities,” said the president.
8. Gainesville, FL
5-year decrease in violent crime rate: -244
Violent crime per 100,000 (2005): 867.4
Violent crime per 100,000 (2010): 623.4
Murders per 100,000: 5.9
In 2005, the Gainesville, Florida metro region’s violent crime rate of 867.4 incidents for every 100,000 residents was the 15th highest in the country. In 2007, after the city reported another disappointing increase in violent crime, a task force was started to deal specifically with that problem, according to the Gainesville Sun.
It appears to have helped.
By 2010, the violent crime rate had dropped 28 percent to 623.4, although it is still well above the U.S. average rate. In the city of Gainesville, things did not actually improve much and there were actually 31 more robberies in 2010 than in 2005. However, outside the city limits robberies declined and there were 372 fewer cases of aggravated assault.
7. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
5-year decrease in violent crime rate: -249.7
Violent crime per 100,000 (2005): 749.7
Violent crime per 100,000 (2010): 500
Murders per 100,000: 4.3
Between 2005 and 2010, much of the state of Florida had a massive increase in unemployment. The Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area was no exception, with the unemployment rate in the area rising from 3.9 percent to 12.1 percent. This substantial increase in joblessness appeared to have little impact on violent crime, which declined 33 percent from 749.7 crimes per 100,000 people to 500 — above but relatively close to the national average.
The metro area went from having the 19th highest violent crime rate in the country to 75th highest. In Ybor city, a historic Tampa neighborhood with a high number of bars and clubs, the rate has dropped 84 percent since 2001, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
6. Jackson, TN
5-year decrease in violent crime rate: -333.6
Violent crime per 100,000 (2005): 989
Violent crime per 100,000 (2010): 655.4
Murders per 100,000: 4.4
In 2005, the Jackson, Tennessee metro region, which includes Chester and Madison counties, had the seventh-highest violent crime rate in the country. By 2010, that rate had declined 33.7 percent, from 989 to 655.4 per 100,000 residents. In that same period, the rate of robberies declined more than 20 percent and the aggravated assault rate dropped 36 percent. While non-violent crime was not included on this list, it might be worth noting that the rate of property crime, which includes burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, dropped 16 percent in the same six-year interval.
5. Alexandria, LA
5-year decrease in violent crime rate: -345
Violent crime per 100,000 (2005): 983
Violent crime per 100,000 (2010): 638
Murders per 100,000: 7.5
The Alexandria metro region, located in the center of the state of Louisiana, had the 8th highest rate of violent crime in the country in 2005 at 983 incidents per 100,000 residents. By 2010, that number had declined by 345, or 35 percent, to 638. This is still well above the national average, but it drops the region from the 8th-highest violent crime rate to the 29th highest. While the rate of robberies actually increased over that time, the assault rate dropped by nearly 50 percent.
4. Santa Fe, NM
5-year decrease in violent crime rate: -349.6
Violent crime per 100,000 (2005): 706.6
Violent crime per 100,000 (2010): 357
Murders per 100,000: 6.6
In 2005, the Santa Fe, New Mexico region had a violent crime rate of 706.6 per 100,000, which was the 35th highest in the country and substantially higher than the national average. By 2010, the rate had dropped by nearly 50 percent to 357. Santa Fe now ranks a respectable 177th highest, and has a crime rate below the national level. While robbery actually increased over this period, there were 448 fewer cases of aggravated assault in 2010 than 2005. In 2006 Santa Fe was still struggling with growing violent and gang-related crimes in the city, according to the Sante Fe Reporter.
That’s when Mayor David Coss proposed a youth summit to address crime in the city, as well as use in school tactics to identify children susceptible to crime and take appropriate steps to intervene.
See the top 3 cities with declining violent crime rates.
(Michael B. Sauter/Becket Adams–24/7 Wall St./The Blaze)
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Comments (44)
Hyena
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 2:35pmThe Castle Doctrine – Concealed Carry
Report Post »Seawolf
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 2:21amAgree 100% The State of Florida had to revamp the CCW licensing process just to accomodate the influx of CCW applications being backed up.
Crooks think twice about a carjacking or home invasion if there might be a chance the victim is armed.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 2:05pmit’s pretty simple, actually, more whites are arming themselves, more free welfare and free abortions for the obamablacks, and the ghettos are dumping out into replacement housing in the suburbs.
Pragmatica
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:52pmYou are a racist piece of dung.
Report Post »Tranzwarr
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 1:54pmwierd,in orlando i see at least 1 home invasion a week.either the people get their asses beat and robbed or one of the bad guys ends up shot and killed…..like the other night…the lady got shot in the arm but she killed one while the other got away…it just proves the fact that if im gonna have to go against a bad guy with a gun,i would like to be able to shoot back.this makes these guys think twice.
Report Post »Stephen Markovich
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 1:00pmAint nothin left to steal in Baltimore…cuz I stole it all!!!!!
Report Post »Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:59amGun Ownership is rising….Could that be why?
Report Post »JRook
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:53pmThe question was answered in the book Freakenomics. Worthwhile read.
Report Post »CrackerKen
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:52amMost, if not all (not sure about NM) of the states involved in the decrease in crime allow law abiding citizens to obtain licenses to carry a concealed firearm, keep them in their homes, and carry them in their cars. Criminals know this. This has an impact on crime, no doubt.
Report Post »dnewton
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:21amTheory One: There is a diminishing supply of easy stuff to steal.
Report Post »Theory Two: All of the thieves are working for the government so it is no longer illegal.
Theory Three: So much unemployment means more people are home to protect their stuff.
Theory Four: OWS & others fail to report it.
Theory Five: All the above.
Den579
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 5:06pmThis comment (theories) totally cracked me up! Love it! Keep it coming!
Report Post »LookingforJustice
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 9:46pmI am still laughing!!!! Needed that today!
Report Post »Cynic-clinic
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 10:19amIf the researchers really want to find the answer to lower crime rates, all they need do is count the stickers in the windows of houses that say, “SMITH & WESSON LIVES HERE”
Report Post »1casawizard
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 6:42pmStickers on you car, truck, home, mailbox are an advertisement that says “there’s guns in here.” I never, ever advertise.
Report Post »LukeAppling
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 9:41amIn talking with the local police and sheriffs most of the crime in our area come from the blacks robbing and raping one another and drugs.The democratic controlled areas of the country have the most welfare and the most crime, is that odd?
Report Post »neocon1
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 9:54amDEMOGRAPHICS??
Report Post »IMAGINE dat
KTsayz
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 9:31amA better armed citizenry and the illegals returning to Mexico are the two reasons why the crime rate has dropped. Gosh, that was easy.
Report Post »afishfarted
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 9:36amit might be that plus an unspoken revival that’s occuring nationally as well. Two powerful forces such as these can chance societal behavior in general
Report Post »B-Neil
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 9:31amHey people; are we going to let ten city’s ruin are world impressive criminal reputation. COMMON! FOLLOW ME. CARRY ON MAcDUFF
Report Post »8fishpimp8
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 9:11amDadcoolstuff……is right in my opinion.
This is the net effect of increased firearm sales over the last 24-36 months. Coupled with a “you better not bring that crap to my town” mentality with regard to the OWS movement.
Tea people shoot strait and police up their own brass….cheers.
Report Post »Goldsteinbergman
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 8:49amNow that is change I can believe in!
Report Post »Dadwithallthecoolstuff
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 8:43amCheck the States CCW laws and see when people started to apply in droves and the sales of pistols rose…that of course has nothing to do with it I suppose….
Report Post »UBETHECHANGE
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 8:41amI live in St Petersburg Florida and here is a recent article from the SPT: Florida reports drop in crime but doubling of murders in Pinellas – St. Petersburg Times http://shar.es/ouJZ6
Pinellas County, which I live in, is the most populated county in the state. The two major cities in Pinellas are St Pete and Clearwater. I recently got me CCP and bought a Ruger LC9. I refuse to be a victim for lowlife thugs.
Report Post »neocon1
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 9:45amAaaaamen
.380 .45 here
and the demographics of the crime area in both those citys is?
Cuban? NO
Report Post »Mexican? NO
Whites? NO
Indian? NO
gee now let me see who could it be??
ncgrammie4
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 10:58amI’m with you. I passed my CHP class last week and have an appointment with the Sheriff’s ofc in two weeks to apply for my permit. The instructor told us that he had personally taught over 4000 people in the last few years. We are gettin ready for the DNC convention to invade us next year and know the local police will not be ready for what will be coming. One thing I do know is the citizens will.
Report Post »patbarker
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 8:39amlike the nurse says, I don’t believe it…it’s more Obama/Big Gov speak. Dems/lib/progressives seem to make numbers say funny things!!!!
I love about an hour from Tampa…if the crime rate is going down, I don’t see it. News is FULL of murder, rape…there is a possibility of criminals klling each other off..
we need to pray, cause the Lord says “men will wax (become, do) worse and worse”
Report Post »Tankdog
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 8:36amIn tough times people get desperate, here in TN we have seen an increase in desperation crimes, stealing stuff not nailed down. Two things have happened in TN, people have gunned up in the rural areas and are ready to protect themselves, it’s still legal to do that in TN. The other big deal is the state has really broke down on Meth over 35% reduction in just 5 years, if it ain’t easy they go elsewhere!
Report Post »dnewton
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:13amMany years ago, Memphis improved its crime statistics by flat out lying. Apparently, the high crime rate was a drag on economic development. The fix was this: If you get assaulted, carjacked and your kids kidnapped, only report to the feds one of the three crimes. It worked for years but was alleged to have ended. The problem seemed to be that no matter how crime “improved,” they always needed more money to fight the crime. Crime was so bad at Mall of America, the owners finally bulldozed it.
Report Post »Itchee Dryback
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 8:30amSelf deportation based on a bad economy may have a bit to do with it.
Report Post »Nursenevada
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 8:16amI don’t believe this report for a minute. It sounds like propaganda to me. When the love of God grows cold, lawlessnes abounds. Also, notice how few cities there are. Doesn’t this sound familiar? “local projects, improvements in law enforcement, and urban development”
Report Post »quicker
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 7:37amI hope everyone had a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday.
Report Post »quicker
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 7:35amVoilent crimes have increased along the Mexico broder.
Report Post »NOTAMUSHROOM
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 7:24amI would like to know the demographics of those cities versus the demographics of the cities with low violent crime rates.
There was also a “stimulated” interest in guns and ammunition late in 2008. Hhhmmm. Now why might that have been the case?
Report Post »Thatsitivehadenough
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 7:16amThey are all either at:
Report Post »1. OWS
2. Other Occupy locations.
3. Being trained by Obama.
4. Being trained by NBP.
5. Being paid to do something by George Soros.
6. Working for Media Matters.
7. Etc.
8. All of the above.
Jack of Hearts
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 7:23amYou really don’t like good news do you?
Report Post »Choctaw25
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 9:36amHey Jack, we all like good news, we just don’t swallow the BS from the manipulated and manufactured Main Stream media.
Report Post »If it smells like BS, looks like BS, there is a high probality it is BS.
Low crime stats, make people feel safe, high crime stats make people go to gun & knife shows and buy some type of protection for their Family and themselves.
Fina Biscotti
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 7:07amVIOLENT CRIMES have increased in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 6:48amThats cuz all the future criminals are being aborted, its almost like the movie ‘Minority Report”
Report Post »