Safe neighborhoods, especially from violent crime, are associated with positive psychological and educational outcomes, both of which support economic success. Research shows that people who believe crime is a major problem in their neighborhood experience more stress and depression than people who believe their neighborhood is safe. Unsafe neighborhoods negatively affect people’s sense of power and autonomy and feelings of belonging.

Evidence on the Relationship between Safety from Crime and Upward Mobility Outcomes

As of December 2021, researchers have documented the following connections between this predictor and upward mobility. Asterisk (*) indicates primary reference. 

• In a sample of people living in Baltimore, Maryland, researchers found that neighborhood crime is associated with depressive symptoms (Curry, Latkin, and Davey-Rothwell 2008). Exposure to violent crime has been shown to increase stress symptomology (Berman et al. 1996). Adolescents who had been exposed to gang violence displayed increased anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (Kelly 2010).
• Witnessing violence in a community or being a victim of crime is the strongest predictor of adolescent violence (Kelly 2010). A study on the effects of the Moving to Opportunity program on young people found that moving to a lower-poverty, lower-crime neighborhood leads to lower violent crime arrests for both young men and women. Young women experienced fewer arrests overall (Kling, Ludwig, and Katz 2005).
• According to a 2009 study funded by the US Department of Justice, 60 percent of children were exposed to violence, crime, or abuse in their homes, schools, or communities, and childhood exposure to one type of violence increases the likelihood of exposure to other types of violence. The study found that children who are exposed to violence, crime, or abuse are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, experience anxiety and depression, have severe obesity, and suffer from severe chronic adult diseases. They are also more prone to delinquent behaviors (Finkelhor et al. 2009*).
• A 2009 survey of victims of crimes conducted by the US Department of Justice showed that over half of the respondents who were victims of “serious violent crimes” reported having socioemotional problems that affected their relationships, education, and work (Langton and Truman 2014).
• Berton and Stabb (1996) found that, across 96 high school juniors, men of color were exposed to more violent crime in their neighborhoods and schools than other groups. A study investigating the impact of exposure to different types of violence on 110 Black children affirmed that higher exposure to community violence is associated with increased behavioral problems and negatively associated with school achievement (Thompson and Massat 2005).
• Property and financial crimes can have negative effects on their victims. A home burglary can affect a family’s sense of safety and security and trust in their community, and financial crimes against older adults can fracture relationships and create barriers to building trusting relationships (AuCoin and Beauchamp 2004). An estimated cumulative financial cost of property crimes, including monetary costs and quality-of-life losses, in the US in 2017 was $390 billion (Miller et al. 2021).

Promising Local Policy Interventions

Research from both Urban and others in the field suggests the following policies could help communities improve this predictor. These suggestions are not exhaustive, and communities should work with residents and leaders to identify solutions that are best suited to their local contexts. 

• Shifting toward evidence-based policing, in partnership with communities. (This may also improve the Just Policing predictor.)
• Promoting community-led violence prevention initiatives, which identify residents at highest risk and intervene before conflict occurs.  
• Preventing gun violence by limiting access to firearms and raising awareness of gun safety best practices. (This may also improve the Safety from Trauma predictor.)
• Creating reentry supports for those recently released from jail or prison. (This may also improve the Employment Opportunities predictor.)
• Improving neighborhoods by redeveloping vacant or abandoned properties, installing street lighting, and supporting community-development activities. (This may also improve the Economic Inclusion and Social Capital predictors.)
• Improving residents’ financial security, including by strengthening the social safety net and reducing obstacles to accessing public benefits. (This may also improve the Financial Security predictor.)
• Implementing restorative justice approaches, which can help reduce recidivism.

Mobility Dimensions Engaged

• Economic success
• Power and autonomy
• Dignity and belonging