Residential stability and fear of crime: Examining the impact of homeownership and length of residence on citizens' fear of crime

Even though social scientists have investigated the importance of homeownership in providing individuals with a sense of belonging, security, the welfare of the community, and informal social control within their neighborhood, the impact of homeownership yet has remained largely unexamined within the context of fear of crime. This study aims to fill the gap in the literature and examines the relationship among factors of residential stability on fear of crime. The purpose of the current study is to explore the predictive effects of homeownership on fear of crime among residents. Using community survey data collected from several cities of Northwestern states in the United States, results from the analysis found statistically significant effects for homeownership, length of residence, physical disorder, social cohesion, and victimization on fear of crime.