1979 Crime Statistics
The early 1980s saw rising crime as the crack cocaine epidemic began taking hold in major cities. The "War on Drugs" was escalating, and prison populations were growing rapidly.
Population
220,099,000
Violent Crime Rate
548.9
Murder Rate
9.8
Property Crime Rate
5016.6
Compared to 1991 peak: Violent crime rate 28% lower · Murder rate 1% lower
Notable Events in 1979
- •Iran hostage crisis begins
- •Three Mile Island nuclear accident
- •Sony Walkman introduced — street crime shifts
Violent Crime Breakdown
| Offense | Total | Rate per 100K | % of Violent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Violent Crime | 1,208,030 | 548.9 | 100% |
| Aggravated Assault | 629,480 | 286.0 | 52.1% |
| Robbery | 480,700 | 218.4 | 39.8% |
| Rape | 76,390 | 34.7 | 6.3% |
| Murder | 21,460 | 9.8 | 1.8% |
Property Crime Breakdown
| Offense | Total | Rate per 100K | % of Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Property Crime | 11,041,500 | 5016.6 | 100% |
| Larceny-Theft | 6,601,000 | 2999.1 | 59.8% |
| Burglary | 3,327,700 | 1511.9 | 30.1% |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1,112,800 | 505.6 | 10.1% |
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, 1979 national estimates.