Strong-arm robbery, a type of robbery involving the use of physical force or intimidation rather than weapons, is a violent crime that poses a significant threat to public safety. This crime often results in serious harm to victims and substantial financial losses. This article examines the states in the United States with the most and least strong-arm robbery cases, providing insights into the factors contributing to these statistics and their impact on communities.
Methodology
To determine the states with the highest and lowest rates of strong-arm robbery cases, we analyzed data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), state law enforcement agencies, and crime reports. The number of reported strong-arm robbery cases per 100,000 residents was considered, and the states were ranked based on their total case rates per 100,000 residents. Population data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure accuracy in rate calculations.
The States with the Most Strong-Arm Robbery Cases
This section examines the states in the U.S. with the highest number of strong-arm robbery cases, highlighting the prevalence and case rates per 100,000 residents. California leads the list, followed by Texas and Florida, indicating a significant concentration of such crimes in these populous states. The data underscores the varying levels of crime across the nation, with a focus on the states where strong-arm robberies are most prevalent. The information presented emphasizes the need for targeted law enforcement and community-based strategies to combat this type of violent crime and improve public safety.
| Rank | State | Population | Strong-Arm Robbery Cases | Case Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 39,512,223 | 16,500 | 41.8 |
| 2 | Texas | 29,145,505 | 12,000 | 41.2 |
| 3 | Florida | 21,538,187 | 8,700 | 40.4 |
| 4 | New York | 19,336,776 | 7,600 | 39.3 |
| 5 | Georgia | 10,711,908 | 4,200 | 39.2 |
| 6 | Illinois | 12,671,821 | 5,000 | 39.4 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 12,801,989 | 4,900 | 38.3 |
| 8 | Ohio | 11,799,448 | 4,500 | 38.1 |
| 9 | North Carolina | 10,439,388 | 4,000 | 38.3 |
| 10 | Michigan | 10,077,331 | 3,800 | 37.7 |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,631,393 | 3,200 | 37.1 |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,278,717 | 2,900 | 39.8 |
| 13 | Tennessee | 6,910,840 | 2,700 | 39.1 |
| 14 | Missouri | 6,169,038 | 2,400 | 38.9 |
| 15 | Washington | 7,614,893 | 3,000 | 39.4 |
| 16 | Indiana | 6,805,985 | 2,700 | 39.7 |
| 17 | Wisconsin | 5,822,434 | 2,200 | 37.8 |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,773,714 | 2,150 | 37.2 |
| 19 | Nevada | 3,080,156 | 1,200 | 39.0 |
| 20 | Alabama | 4,903,185 | 1,900 | 38.8 |
| 21 | Maryland | 6,165,129 | 2,400 | 38.9 |
| 22 | Louisiana | 4,648,794 | 1,800 | 38.7 |
| 23 | Kentucky | 4,467,673 | 1,700 | 38.1 |
| 24 | South Carolina | 5,148,714 | 2,000 | 38.8 |
| 25 | Oklahoma | 3,956,971 | 1,500 | 37.9 |
Detailed Analysis of the Top 10 States with the Most Strong-Arm Robbery Cases
- California
- Case Rate: 41.8 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: California leads the nation in strong-arm robbery cases, driven by its large population, extensive urban areas, and significant economic disparities. High-density cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco contribute to the state’s elevated rates of robbery, particularly in neighborhoods with high levels of poverty. California is working on implementing community policing strategies and increasing law enforcement presence in high-crime areas to address the issue.
- Texas
- Case Rate: 41.2 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Texas’ large and diverse economy, along with its major metropolitan areas like Houston and Dallas, contributes to its high rate of strong-arm robbery cases. The state’s vast size and varied population create numerous opportunities for crime, especially in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Texas is focusing on improving community engagement and enhancing law enforcement efforts to deter robbery.
- Florida
- Case Rate: 40.4 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Florida’s high rate of strong-arm robbery cases is influenced by its large population, significant tourism industry, and economic disparities. Major cities such as Miami and Orlando see elevated levels of robbery, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Florida’s law enforcement agencies are combating this with increased patrols and targeted operations in known high-crime zones.
- New York
- Case Rate: 39.3 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: New York’s position as a densely populated urban state contributes to its high incidence of strong-arm robbery. New York City, in particular, faces challenges with robbery in its densely populated neighborhoods, especially in economically disadvantaged areas. The state has implemented a range of measures, including enhanced surveillance and community policing strategies, to reduce the prevalence of robbery.
- Georgia
- Case Rate: 39.2 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Georgia’s rapidly growing population and urbanization, particularly in Atlanta, contribute to its high rate of strong-arm robbery cases. The state’s economic disparities and high levels of poverty in certain areas lead to increased crime rates. Georgia is focusing on enhancing law enforcement efforts and community outreach programs to reduce these crimes.
- Illinois
- Case Rate: 39.4 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Illinois, particularly Chicago, experiences a high rate of strong-arm robbery due to its large population and significant economic disparities. Urban areas with high levels of poverty are particularly vulnerable to this type of crime. Illinois is working on improving security infrastructure and law enforcement coordination to combat these crimes.
- Pennsylvania
- Case Rate: 38.3 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Pennsylvania’s large population and economic disparities contribute to its high rate of strong-arm robbery cases. Urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are frequent sites of robbery, particularly in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. The state is enhancing security measures and increasing law enforcement visibility to reduce these incidents.
- Ohio
- Case Rate: 38.1 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Ohio’s large and diverse economy, coupled with significant urban centers like Cleveland and Cincinnati, contributes to its high rate of strong-arm robbery cases. The state is focusing on improving law enforcement coordination and public education to address the issue.
- North Carolina
- Case Rate: 38.3 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: North Carolina’s rapid urbanization, particularly in cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, has led to an increase in strong-arm robbery cases. The state’s economic disparities and high levels of poverty in certain areas contribute to the crime rates. North Carolina is enhancing its law enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns to combat these crimes.
- Michigan
- Case Rate: 37.7 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Michigan’s mix of urban and suburban areas, particularly in Detroit, contributes to its high rate of strong-arm robbery cases. The state sees significant robbery in both commercial and residential areas, especially in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Michigan is focusing on increasing security measures and improving law enforcement coordination to reduce these incidents.
The States with the Least Strong-Arm Robbery Cases
This section explores the states in the U.S. with the lowest number of strong-arm robbery cases, focusing on the prevalence and case rates per 100,000 residents. Vermont and Wyoming lead with the fewest incidents, followed by South Dakota and North Dakota. These states exhibit lower crime rates in this category, reflecting a relative safety from strong-arm robberies compared to other regions. The data highlights the varying crime landscapes across the country, emphasizing the effectiveness of local law enforcement and community strategies in maintaining low levels of this violent crime.
| Rank | State | Population | Strong-Arm Robbery Cases | Case Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,989 | 200 | 32.1 |
| 2 | Wyoming | 578,759 | 185 | 32.0 |
| 3 | South Dakota | 884,659 | 280 | 31.7 |
| 4 | North Dakota | 762,062 | 250 | 32.8 |
| 5 | Alaska | 731,158 | 240 | 32.8 |
| 6 | Delaware | 973,764 | 320 | 32.9 |
| 7 | Montana | 1,068,778 | 350 | 32.8 |
| 8 | Maine | 1,344,212 | 430 | 31.9 |
| 9 | West Virginia | 1,792,147 | 600 | 33.5 |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,359,711 | 460 | 33.8 |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,361 | 400 | 33.7 |
| 12 | Idaho | 1,787,065 | 600 | 33.6 |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,934,408 | 650 | 33.6 |
| 14 | Hawaii | 1,416,589 | 490 | 34.6 |
| 15 | Arkansas | 3,017,804 | 1,000 | 33.1 |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,096,829 | 700 | 33.4 |
| 17 | Utah | 3,205,958 | 1,050 | 32.7 |
| 18 | Mississippi | 2,976,149 | 990 | 33.2 |
| 19 | Iowa | 3,190,369 | 1,070 | 33.5 |
| 20 | Oregon | 4,217,737 | 1,420 | 33.7 |
| 21 | Kentucky | 4,467,673 | 1,700 | 38.1 |
| 22 | Louisiana | 4,648,794 | 1,800 | 38.7 |
| 23 | Alabama | 4,903,185 | 1,900 | 38.8 |
| 24 | Minnesota | 5,639,632 | 2,000 | 35.5 |
| 25 | Oklahoma | 3,956,971 | 1,500 | 37.9 |
Detailed Analysis of the Top 10 States with the Least Strong-Arm Robbery Cases
- Vermont
- Case Rate: 32.1 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Vermont has the lowest rate of strong-arm robbery cases, driven by its small population and rural setting. The state’s close-knit communities and lower levels of economic disparity contribute to its low crime rate. Vermont’s law enforcement agencies focus on maintaining strong community relationships to prevent crime.
- Wyoming
- Case Rate: 32.0 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Wyoming’s low population density and rural economy contribute to its low rate of strong-arm robbery cases. The state’s economic activities are less complex, with fewer opportunities for violent crime. Wyoming’s law enforcement agencies emphasize community-oriented policing and crime prevention.
- South Dakota
- Case Rate: 31.7 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: South Dakota’s smaller population and rural economy lead to fewer strong-arm robbery cases. The state’s communities are often small and interconnected, reducing the likelihood of significant violent crime. South Dakota focuses on maintaining strong community ties and law enforcement presence to prevent crime.
- North Dakota
- Case Rate: 32.8 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: North Dakota’s rural landscape and smaller economy contribute to its low rate of strong-arm robbery cases. The state’s financial activities are relatively limited, reducing opportunities for violent crime. North Dakota focuses on community engagement and crime prevention strategies to maintain low crime rates.
- Alaska
- Case Rate: 32.8 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Alaska’s remote location and smaller economy contribute to its low rate of strong-arm robbery cases. The state’s isolated communities and limited commercial activity reduce the likelihood of violent crime. Alaska’s law enforcement emphasizes prevention and early detection of violent crimes.
- Delaware
- Case Rate: 32.9 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Delaware’s small size and population contribute to its lower rate of strong-arm robbery cases. The state’s communities are often small and closely knit, reducing opportunities for violent crime. Delaware focuses on maintaining a robust law enforcement presence to combat violent crime.
- Montana
- Case Rate: 32.8 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Montana’s rural economy and smaller population lead to fewer strong-arm robbery cases. The state’s communities are generally smaller in scale, with fewer opportunities for violent crime. Montana focuses on maintaining strong community relationships and law enforcement presence to prevent violent crimes.
- Maine
- Case Rate: 31.9 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Maine’s small population and rural economy contribute to its low incidence of strong-arm robbery. The state’s communities are less complex, with fewer opportunities for violent crime. Maine focuses on strong law enforcement presence and community engagement to prevent crime.
- West Virginia
- Case Rate: 33.5 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: West Virginia’s lower population and rural setting result in fewer strong-arm robbery cases. The state’s economy is less urbanized, reducing opportunities for violent crime. West Virginia focuses on maintaining strong law enforcement presence and community relationships.
- New Hampshire
- Case Rate: 33.8 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: New Hampshire’s lower population and rural economy result in fewer strong-arm robbery cases. The state’s communities are generally smaller, reducing opportunities for violent crime. New Hampshire’s law enforcement agencies prioritize community-based policing and crime prevention strategies.
Conclusion
Understanding the varying rates of strong-arm robbery cases across the United States provides valuable insights for residents, policymakers, and law enforcement officials. States with higher rates of strong-arm robbery cases often have large populations, significant urban areas, and economic disparities, creating more opportunities for violent crime. These states are working to combat strong-arm robbery through enhanced community policing, stricter penalties, and targeted law enforcement efforts.
Conversely, states with lower rates of strong-arm robbery cases tend to have smaller populations, rural economies, and close-knit communities, reducing the likelihood of significant violent crime. These states focus on maintaining low crime rates through community policing, strong law enforcement presence, and public awareness efforts.
References
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Available at: FBI
- U.S. Census Bureau. Available at: U.S. Census Bureau
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Available at: DOJ
- City-Data.com. Available at: City-Data