Work

Dangerous density: Urban density and the criminalization of China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We utilized publicly available data from criminal judgments in China and a range of remotely sensed data to examine the impact of urban density on the crime risk of urban residents. Exploiting population features to instrument for density, we found a statistically significant crime-density elasticity around 0.09-0.18. The findings of this study indicate that population density has a greater impact on economic crime than other factors. This effect is particularly pronounced in medium-sized cities. The increase in the density of new businesses brings more revenue to criminals, while the improvement of the road network reduces the risk of being caught. In the context of high population density, the overstretched police force makes it easier for criminals to enter high-density areas to commit crimes.

Source: International Review of Economics & Finance

DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2025.104025

Authors: Ning Ma, Lu Chen, Zihan Zeng

Institution: Southeast University

Language: English

Topic: Crime Patterns and Interventions

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930