Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between the development of affordable housing units in the United States and their impacts on crime rates, challenging a common belief that additional housing units lead to increased levels of crime. Using mixed-variable data collection, data was collected from the U.S. bureau of housing statistics and the Federal Bureau of Investigation where it was analyzed for areas of the United States before and after the implementation of affordable housing units. The findings revealed that additional housing units did not increase crime levels at times, causing minimal decreases in criminal activity. Through different forms of neighborhood investment, additional occupancy, and community stability, outcomes can be influenced relating to criminal activity reduction. The study indicates that when additional affordable housing is added to neighborhoods thoughtfully, they can enhance the public outcomes without putting the residents at risk of criminal activity increases. These findings have massive implications regarding affordable housing, working against the increasing levels of homelessness in the United States.
Advisor
Krause, Brooke
Department
Business Economics
Recommended Citation
Ellsworth, Tyler R., "Affordable Housing and Crime: How Additional Affordable Housing Units Impact Crime Rates in the United States of America" (2025). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11763.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11763
Publication Date
2025
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2025 Tyler R. Ellsworth