Low-Income Housing and Crime: The Influence of Property Characteristics and Neighborhood Conditions

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

One criticism of assisted housing programs is that they have historically concentrated low-income housing in poor minority communities. Changes to federal housing policy have begun to incentivize the development of subsidized housing in economically and racially diverse communities. Given the demand for affordable housing across American cities, it is important to consider the conditions under which assisted housing can be safe for both its residents and the surrounding community. The present study examines various low-income housing developments in San Antonio, Texas – including public housing, low-income housing tax credit developments, and Section 8 project based housing – and their influence on violent and property crime within the housing development and the surrounding community. Importantly, the analysis considers the effects of both property characteristics – including design, security, management, and resident composition – and neighborhood characteristics – including socioeconomic factors, racial composition, various nonresidential facilities, parks, and vacant lots – to explore the conditions that produce the safest low-income housing.

Authors

• Marie Tillyer, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Rebecca J. Walter, The University of Texas at San Antonio