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Crime across the States: Are US Crime Rates Converging?

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  • Steve Cook
  • Tom Winfield
Abstract
Recent research concerning the potential presence of a national trend in regionally disaggregated US crime data is extended. In light of the varying levels of criminal activity noted in differing regions of the US, the present analysis considers whether a trend is emerging rather than currently present. Using alternative methods, potential convergence in criminal activity across the states of the US is examined. The results presented provide clear evidence of a previously undetected finding of convergence over the period 1960–2009 for all classifications of criminal activity considered. The importance and implications of these findings, along with their support in previous research on, inter alia , socioeconomic conditions, sentencing policies and alternative theories, are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Steve Cook & Tom Winfield, 2013. "Crime across the States: Are US Crime Rates Converging?," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 50(9), pages 1724-1741, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:50:y:2013:i:9:p:1724-1741
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098012466602
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    2. Li, Xun & Wang, Rui, 2016. "Spatial Convergence of US Obesity Rates and Its Determinants," 2016 Annual Meeting, July 31-August 2, Boston, Massachusetts 235617, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    3. Steve Cook & Duncan Watson, 2013. "Breaks and Convergence in U.S. Regional Crime Rates: Analysis of Their Presence and Implications," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 2(3), pages 1-11, August.

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