Brookings Institution Report Links Economic Opportunity to Public Safety

In November 2025, the Brookings Institution released a comprehensive report titled "The Path to Public Safety Requires Economic Opportunity: Trends and Solutions in Urban, Suburban, and Rural Communities." This analysis examines crime trends across various U.S. community types, emphasizing the integral role of economic opportunities in enhancing public safety.

The report reveals that urban areas have experienced a significant increase in violent crime rates. Between 2019 and 2024, the rate of violent crime in urban areas surged by 61%, making it 46% higher than the nationwide rate and 104% higher than the rural rate. In contrast, suburban and rural areas saw minimal increases in violent crime rates during the same period, with rises of 4% and 2%, respectively, which were not statistically significant.

A significant portion of crimes, especially in urban areas, go unreported. From 2020 to 2023, approximately 38% of violent victimizations in urban areas were reported to the police, compared to 43% in suburban areas and 51% in rural areas. Notably, the reporting rate for rape and sexual assault victimizations in rural areas was 52%, almost four times higher than the 13% reported in urban areas.

The report highlights a strong correlation between economic opportunity and public safety. Communities with limited economic opportunities often experience higher rates of violent crime. For instance, neighborhoods of concentrated poverty—defined as areas where at least 30% of the population lives below the poverty line—are more susceptible to crime.

The findings of the Brookings report have profound societal implications. The sharp rise in violent crime rates in urban areas underscores the urgent need for comprehensive public safety strategies that integrate economic development initiatives. The underreporting of crimes in rural and suburban areas suggests potential gaps in law enforcement resources, community trust, or accessibility, which can hinder effective public safety measures. The link between economic opportunity and crime rates emphasizes the necessity of addressing economic inequalities to foster safer communities.

The Brookings Institution is a renowned nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C. Established in 1916, it conducts in-depth research to provide innovative, practical recommendations that advance three broad goals: strengthen American democracy; foster the economic and social welfare, security, and opportunity of all Americans; and secure a more open, safe, prosperous, and cooperative international system.

The report's findings are based on data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). The UCR Program generates reliable statistics for use in law enforcement and provides information for students of criminal justice, researchers, the media, and the public. The NCVS is an annual data collection conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics that provides information on criminal victimization in the U.S., including crimes not reported to the police.

The Brookings report advocates for a multifaceted approach to enhance public safety. It recommends implementing job placement and workforce development programs to provide economic opportunities, particularly in high-crime areas. Establishing youth mentorship and after-school programs to engage young individuals positively and deter them from criminal activities is also suggested. Improving the physical environment of neighborhoods through clean-up initiatives and maintenance to foster community pride and deter crime is another recommendation. Enhancing data collection methods, especially in rural and suburban areas, to ensure accurate crime reporting and effective policy development is also emphasized.

While urban areas have historically exhibited higher crime rates, the recent surge in violent crime underscores the evolving nature of public safety challenges. The report's emphasis on economic opportunity as a determinant of public safety reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of economic and social factors in crime prevention.

The Brookings Institution's report provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between economic opportunity and public safety across urban, suburban, and rural communities. By highlighting disparities in crime rates, underreporting issues, and the pivotal role of economic development, the report offers valuable insights for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders striving to create safer and more prosperous communities nationwide.