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
231,664,458
Violent Crime Rate
570.8
-3.8% YoY
Murder Rate
9.1
-7.5% YoY
Property Crime Rate
5029.7
-4.3% YoY
Compared to 1991 peak: Violent crime rate 25% lower · Murder rate 7% lower
Notable Events in 1982
- •Recession drives unemployment to 10.8%
- •Anti-Drug Abuse Act discussions begin
- •Tylenol murders in Chicago
Violent Crime Breakdown
| Offense | Total | Rate per 100K | % of Violent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Violent Crime | 1,322,390 | 570.8 | 100% |
| Aggravated Assault | 669,480 | 289.0 | 50.6% |
| Robbery | 553,130 | 238.8 | 41.8% |
| Rape | 78,770 | 34.0 | 6.0% |
| Murder | 21,010 | 9.1 | 1.6% |
Property Crime Breakdown
| Offense | Total | Rate per 100K | % of Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Property Crime | 11,652,000 | 5029.7 | 100% |
| Larceny-Theft | 7,142,500 | 3083.1 | 61.3% |
| Burglary | 3,447,100 | 1488.0 | 29.6% |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1,062,400 | 458.6 | 9.1% |
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, 1982 national estimates.