Exploring the complex association between urban form and crime: Evidence from 1,486 U.S. counties

Abstract

Urban form contributes to crime prevention. However, most studies not only simplify the relationship between urban form and crime, they also fail to reflect the geographic structure of urban areas. This study first measured a comprehensive multidimensional urban form indicator for 1486 counties in the United States, which was used to characterize the size and geospatial structure of urban areas. Specifically, it described urban form as consisting of three components: 1) size and population distribution; 2) built environment; and 3) landscape environment. Then, generalized additive mixed models were then used to explore linear or nonlinear associations between urban form indicators and different crime types (violent and property crime). This study's main findings were that 1) the relationship between urban form and crime is not only linear but may also be nonlinear; 2) urban size, fragmentation, connectivity, forest mixing, and shrub mixing are associated with all crime types; 3) population distribution and agricultural mixing are associated with violent crime; and 4) urban patch complexity and water mixing are associated with property crime. Overall, the results of this study can provide guidance for long-term planning of urban geographic structures, contributing to the safe and sustainable development of urban areas.