Urban greenspace linked to lower crime risk across 301 major U.S. cities

Greenspace enhances quality of life for urban residents in many ways, but it may also produce unexpected and undesired consequences. For example, a growing literature is exploring the relationship between greenspace crime cities, yielding mixed results. To address this question on larger scale across diverse contexts, we used multilevel modeling approach to investigate different types 59,703 census block groups within 301 largest cities United States. After accounting potential covariates crime, including demographic, socioeconomic, climate variables, found that, average, with more (measured by NDVI) had lower risk both property ( β = −0.66 [−0.70 −0.61]) violent −0.25 [−0.28 −0.22]). significant negative held all one city sample (Cape Coral, FL), no displayed positive relationship. was 289 only three (Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, Newark, NJ). Further research could strive mechanisms fueling these consistent trends explore relationships specific components seasonal variations greenspace. • Research extends analysis contiguous USA. Applies uniform varying contexts broad Greater amounts are associated risk. 3 cities.