Criminological research clearly shows that fear of crime can have devastating effects on cities, impacting the mental health of residents, student performance, economic growth, and employment.
Two key observations have emerged: Gallup’s 2026 data indicates a decrease in fear of crime among those who are especially concerned. However, when broader categories of crime fear are considered, a large portion of the population still has significant to moderate concerns.
Reports highlight a sharp rise in fraud and computer crimes, as well as porch piracy, retail theft, cargo theft, and other property crimes. If Gallup conducted a survey focusing solely on these issues, fear of victimization would likely surpass the 2026 figures. According to Gallup’s comprehensive 2025 report on fear, Americans are most worried about identity theft (69%) and being deceived into giving financial information to scammers (53%).
Gallup’s Global Crime And Fear Index (2025)
In a separate and recent Gallup report, it is noted that fear of crime has decreased in the US and Canada, primarily due to US-specific findings based on population and methodology. Globally, most countries have seen improved perceptions of crime safety.
Globally, excluding North America and parts of Africa, people feel safer than they have in years.
In the 2024 Law and Order Index, which measures crime and fear, the US was ranked 54th out of 144 countries. With eight countries sharing the same score, the US effectively ranked 46th.
Focusing solely on the question, “Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?” the US ranked 64th. Iraq, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Libya, Albania, and several other countries scored higher. With four countries sharing the same score, the US effectively ranked 60th.
Is Anything Changing To Prompt Less Fear of Crime?
Crimes reported to law enforcement in cities are witnessing substantial reductions, although the majority of crimes remain unreported to the police.
Nationally, according to the FBI, violent crime reductions are minor, ranging from about 3 to 4.5 percent in 2023 and 2024. Violent crime has decreased by 10 percent so far in 2025, though these numbers will likely change with the full 2025 report expected in late summer or fall 2026. FBI’s early figures are often overestimated and should be approached with caution.
Crimes reported to law enforcement are showing slight improvements, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
There is evidence that the rate of solved crimes is rising. Though the increase is small for violent crimes, it is improving after years of stagnation.
Crime was a critical issue in the last national election, with President Trump expressing support for police officers who might return to proactive policing. The National Academy of Sciences considers proactive policing one of the most effective strategies for reducing crime.
Data from the Associated Press suggests that concerns about crime in cities are declining.
Per the USDOJ, Violent Crime Remains At Very High Levels
According to the USDOJ’s National Crime Victimization Survey, violent crime rates surged by 44 percent in 2022, and these rates remained stable in 2023 and 2024, marking the largest increase in US history.
One source indicates that NCVS violent crime rates increased by 80 percent for urban areas, though the 2020 baseline comparison is complicated by the pandemic’s impact on crime and survey methodology.
The NCVS reports an increase in urban violence, which contrasts with the reduction in reported crime in cities.
The Highest Rate Of Fear Of Crime Was In 2023
In November 2023, a Gallup poll revealed that almost two-thirds of Americans viewed crime as an “extremely” or “very” serious issue, the highest rate recorded by Gallup, matching previous highs in 2000, 2010, and 2016.
While only 17 percent of respondents considered crime extremely serious in their communities, more than half believed crime had increased locally. Nationally, about 75 percent of Americans felt crime had risen, aligning with the tough-on-crime political narrative of conservative politicians.
Conclusions
Criminological studies clearly show that fear of crime can devastate cities, affecting residents’ mental health, student performance, economic development, and employment.
Two main observations emerge: fear of crime decreases among those highly concerned, according to Gallup’s 2026 data. However, when broader fear categories are considered, most of the country remains significantly to moderately concerned about crime.
Fraud and computer crimes, as well as porch piracy, retail theft, cargo theft, and other property crimes, are on the rise. Gallup’s survey on these issues alone might reveal higher fear numbers for 2026.
Overall, Americans are most worried about identity theft (69%) and financial scams (53%), as per Gallup’s 2025 report.
Criminology suggests that people’s concerns about crime are influenced by various factors, including disorder signs, media reports, and uncomfortable community conditions, rather than official crime statistics.
For some, fear or concern about crime might be the most crucial crime index in America.
However, when half the country in 2025 views crime as increasing or “extremely” or “very” serious, and 38 percent see it as “moderately serious,” there is a pressing issue to address.
While increased police presence can reduce fear, challenges arise from a shortage of officers and long response times in some cities.
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After 2018, these perceptions worsened, reaching levels last seen in the 1990s. Views of crime seriousness also peaked, hitting a record-high of 63%. Gallup’s October 2025 annual Crime poll shows that Americans now view national crime more favorably than in recent years, returning to early 2000s levels.
Currently, 49% of U.S. adults believe there is more crime in the U.S., 33% say there is less, and 8% feel it remains the same. Additionally, 17% consider crime “extremely” serious, 32% “very” serious, 38% “moderately,” 8% “not too,” and 2% “not at all” serious.
Views of National Crime Have Improved Among Most Subgroups Since 2023
Perceptions of crime as a problem and its trajectory have improved across nearly all demographic groups since 2023.
In 2023, majorities across party identification, gender, income, and community type viewed crime as very serious. Today, majorities of Republicans, women, those with incomes under $40,000, and rural residents share this view.
Views of Local Crime Also Improved
Americans consistently perceive local crime as less serious than national crime. This remains true, with declines in perceptions of local crime severity and increase.
Currently, 30% of Americans report more local crime than a year ago, down 19 points from last year. Meanwhile, 12% say local crime is extremely or very serious, not significantly different from last year’s 14%, but down from the 17% high in 2023.
Fear of Walking Alone at Night in Local Area Continues to Decline
Gallup has tracked Americans’ comfort with walking alone at night in their area since 1965. Currently, 31% report fear of walking alone within a mile of home at night, while 68% do not.
Two years ago, 40% reported this fear, its highest since 1993. Last year, it was 35%, and now it is just two points away from the 2020 low.
Being Victimized
Overall, Americans are most concerned about identity theft (69%) and financial scams (53%). These are the only crimes in the survey that majorities worry about frequently or occasionally.
Meanwhile, 43% of U.S. adults worry about a school-aged child being physically harmed at school, rising to 60% among parents of school-aged children.
Fewer Americans worry about crimes like having a car stolen (39%) or home burglarized (34%), being a hate crime victim (30%), mugged (29%), attacked while driving (27%), murdered (22%), or sexually assaulted (21%). Yet, collectively, violent and property crimes far outweigh the top three concerns.
Gallup’s Bottom Line
Americans’ views of crime in the U.S. have notably improved for the second consecutive year, reversing earlier pessimism. Less than half now see crime as a very or extremely serious problem or believe it has increased in the past year.
Perceptions have improved across nearly all demographic subgroups, and local crime assessments have followed. Fewer adults report local crime increases, and more feel safe walking alone at night.
These changes suggest a return to more positive attitudes seen in the early 2000s, indicating that the public perceives national crime conditions stabilizing after years of heightened concern. National crime statistics support this belief, with FBI data showing a 4.5% decrease in U.S. crime in 2024 (Editor’s note: The National Crime Victimization Survey reports increases and high rates of violent crime in its latest reports).
Despite improved views on national and local crime, personal anxiety about victimization remains. Most adults still worry about financial crimes like identity theft and scams, and parents continue to fear for their children’s safety at school.
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