The crimes covered include murder and non negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Data are categorized according to population units reflecting size, density, and area. The categories include Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas (SMSA's), rural areas, and other cities. Crime and population information are aggregated either into State totals or by major population units. Statistics indicate that the total Index crime rate has varied significantly over time for the State. Other cities experienced a 102-percent increase in crime rate, while the State's SMSA's had a 56-percent increase and rural areas a 59-percent increase over the report period. The relationship between changes in population size and the crime rate is not constant. Contrary to the patterns established for overall crime rates, a dramatic increase in violent crime rates occurred for less populated areas of the State. Extensive tabular data and graphs provide the bulk of the report, and definitions and a list of reporting cities are appended.
Report of the Incidence of Major Crime in Washington State, 1958-1979
NCJ Number
84820
Date Published
October 1981
Annotation
This statistical report on the State's eight major categories of crime occurring from 1958 through 1979 provides a resource for analysis of changing patterns of crime throughout the State.
Abstract
Date Published: October 1, 1981