NCJ Number
108145
Journal
Indiana Academy of the Social Sciences - Proceedings, Third Series Volume: 20 Dated: (October 11, 1985) Pages: 91-97
Date Published
1985
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Multiple regression analysis using 14 demographic variables for each of the 50 States showed significant correlations between demographic variables and total crime, violent crime, and property crime.
Abstract
Each of the States was considered a study subject. The 14 demographic variables were: (1) State population, (2) percentage of males married, (3) percentage of females married, (4) percentage of males divorced, (5) percentage of females divorced, (6) percentage of State population that is white, (7) percentage of State population that is black, (6) percentage of State population that is of other races, (9) birthrate per 100,000 population, (10) death rate per 100,000 population, (11) divorce rate per 100,000 population, (12) number of families, (13) number of female heads of families, and (14) average family size. The percentage of females divorced was the best single demographic predictor of the total Crime Index. Other important factors were the number of female heads of families, the death rate, the percentage of females married, the percentage of population of races other than white and black, and the average family size. The three most important demographic variables in relation to the violent Crime Index were the numbers of female heads of families, the percentage of males divorced, and the percentage of population that was black. For property crimes, the most important variables were percentage of females divorced; divorce rate per 100,000 population; percentage of population of other races; number of female heads of families; death rate; and average family size. Tables and 19 references.