Crime Changes in Connecticut During the COVID-19 Pandemic Based on Sociodemographic and Economic Area Profiles

• In Event: Crime and Socioeconomic Factors

Abstract

The start of the COVID-19 pandemic had varying degrees of impact on different types of crime. The pandemic’s impact on crime also varied across places in relation to sociodemographic and economic profiles. The pattern of crime changes in the state of Connecticut somewhat differed from the national trends for year 2020. For example, even though Connecticut experienced an increase in homicides comparable to the national homicide rate increase in 2020, other violent crimes have decreased or stayed at the pre-pandemic levels, while property crime has increased (in contrast with the national trend). The changes in Connecticut population and differential economic impact of the pandemic are examined as correlates of crime, with important implications for understanding crime causation.

Authors

• Paul Klee, University of New Haven

• Baylie Fanning, University of New Haven

• Jamie Hickey, University of New Haven

• Samantha Tosto, University of New Haven

• Maria Tcherni-Buzzeo, University of New Haven