Patterns of Local Segregation: Do They Matter for Crime?

Lauren J. Krivo, Ohio State University
Reginald Byron, Ohio State University
Catherine Calder, Ohio State University
Mei-Po Kwan, Ohio State University

In this paper, we extend recent work on the spatial measurement of segregation to describe the local spatial dynamics of residential segregation by race, ethnicity, and economic status, and explore their consequences for levels of a single social outcome: urban crime. To do so, we construct Wong's asymmetric local segregation indices, which are spatially adjusted P* exposure measures, for 36 large cities in the United States. Maps and summary descriptive statistics are used to explore levels and variability in patterns of non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, low-income, and affluent local segregation. We then examine multivariate models to assess whether local segregation of privileged populations (e.g., Whites, affluent households) increases social advantage in the form of reduced urban crime problems, while local segregation of groups lower in the stratification hierarchy of the U.S. (e.g., Blacks, Hispanics, the poor) heightens crime as a neighborhood social problem.