Examining the Latino Paradox: Latino Population Dynamics and Crime Trends in U.S. Counties, 2009 – 2019.

• In Event: Policy Panel: Race, Space, and Inequality

Abstract

Beyond prejudicial stereotypes against Latino populations that they are prone to deviance and violence, Latino neighborhoods in the United States often report lower crime rates despite socioeconomic disadvantages. This study extends this Latino Paradox to explore whether the size and fluctuation of the Latino population shape crime trends in all U.S. counties from 2009 to 2019 using data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting System (UCR) and the American Community Survey. Although findings may be somewhat nuanced depending on the measures of crime, we anticipate that U.S. counties with a large Latino population persistently will report lower rates of street violence as compared to Black counties. However, newer Latino destinations that were historically White or Black counties will show high crime rates.

Authors

• Hanieh Lashkarbolouki, Louisiana State University

• Judith Amegbe, Louisiana State University

• Isaac Carson, Louisiana State University

• Hyunsu Oh, Louisiana State University