Top 4 Crimes Americans Fear Most

Americans are increasingly concerned about the growing risks of various crimes. Recently these concerns reached new heights, with cybercrime continuing to dominate their worries. From identity theft to physical attacks, fears have expanded across different forms of crime. But which specific offenses are driving this anxiety? Let’s break down the crimes that weigh most heavily on Americans’ minds, based on recent data.

1. Cybercrime

Leading the list of fears is cybercrime. By 2022, an overwhelming 75% of Americans frequently worry about having their personal or financial information stolen by hackers. With rising incidents of data breaches and identity theft, 73% of people also fear becoming victims of identity theft. As more aspects of daily life move online, these digital threats are expected to remain at the forefront of people’s concerns.

2. School Shootings

Violent crime, especially the fear of harm to children at school, has seen a notable increase. By 2022, 47% of parents reported worrying about their school-aged child being physically harmed - an alarming rise from 34% just the year before. This shift reflects the nation’s reaction to a spate of high-profile mass shootings in schools, which have left many Americans on edge about the safety of their children.

3. Physical Attacks

Concerns about both being mugged or attacked while driving also grew significantly. By the end of 2022, 40% of Americans expressed concern about being mugged - up seven percentage points from the previous year. Similarly, 36% worried about being attacked while driving. This increase mirrors the general uptick in violent crime anxiety, even though official statistics show that violent crime rates have remained relatively stable.

4. Property Crime

Although violent crime concerns have surged, property crimes remain a steady worry for many. Forty-five percent of Americans worry about their car being stolen or broken into, and 43% fear a home burglary when they’re not home. While these fears didn’t rise as sharply as those related to violent crime, they still occupy a significant place in the American psyche.

What’s the biggest fear? Gender, politics, and location matter.

It’s important to note that fear of crime doesn’t affect all Americans equally. Women, Republicans, and city residents are among those who express the highest levels of concern about crime. For example, 58% of women reported a “great deal” of worry about crime, compared to 48% of men. Similarly, 61% of Republicans felt the same level of concern, compared to 43% of Democrats. City residents also showed a higher degree of worry, with 58% saying they worried a great deal, compared to 46% in the suburbs.

Although crime rates may not always align with public perception, the rising fear of both cyber and physical crimes is clear. From hacking to violent attacks, Americans continue to grapple with these anxieties, reflecting a nation increasingly on edge.

References: The Crimes Americans Worry About Most*. Statista | Worry About Crime in U.S. at Highest Level Since 2016