Safety

Background

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Crime may lead to loss of life and property, as well as physical pain, post-traumatic stress and anxiety. The biggest impact of crime on people’s well-being appears to be through the feeling of vulnerability that it causes.

Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. Nonetheless, between 2004-2005 victimisation rates exceeded 20% in Ireland, New Zealand, Iceland and the United Kingdom. Conversely, rates were below 10% in Japan and Spain.

Assault Rate

Across the OECD, one person in six reported falling victim to a conventional crime, with physical assault accounting for nearly a quarter of all conventional crime. In terms of perceived safety, one out of four people in the OECD report feeling unsafe on the street after dark.

Homicide Rate

Homicide rates (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) only represent the most extreme form of contact crime and thus do not inform of more typical safety conditions. They are however a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, the average homicide rate in the OECD is 2.2 murders per 100,000 inhabitants.

Note: data for the indicator "Assault Rate" is provided by the Gallup World Poll.

Top Ranking

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Safety in Detail by Country

Australia

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Australia, 2% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, lower than the OECD average of 4%. 27% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, slightly higher than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Australia’s homicide rate is 1.2, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Austria

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Austria, 3% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, lower than the OECD average of 4%. 19% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, lower than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Austria’s homicide rate is 0.5, lower than the OECD average and one of the lowest rates in the OECD.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Belgium

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Belgium, 7% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, higher than the OECD average of 4%. 26% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, close to the OECD average.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Belgium’s homicide rate is 1.8, slightly lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Canada

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Canada, only 1% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, much lower than the OECD average of 4%.17% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, much lower than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Canada’s homicide rate is 1.7, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Chile

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Chile, 10% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, much higher than the OECD average of 4%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Chile’s homicide rate is 8.1, much higher than the OECD average and the second highest rate in the OECD.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Czech Republic

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In the Czech Republic, 4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, close to the OECD average.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, the Czech Republic’s homicide rate is 2, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Denmark

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Denmark, 4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, close to the OECD average. 17% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, much lower than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Denmark’s homicide rate is 1.4, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Estonia

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Estonia, 6% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, higher than the OECD average of 4%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Estonia’s homicide rate is 6.3, much higher than the OECD average and the third highest in the OECD.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Finland

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Finland, 2% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, lower than the OECD average of 4%. 14% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, much lower than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Finland’s homicide rate is 2.5, close to the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

France

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In France, 5% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, higher than the OECD average of 4%. 21% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, lower than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, France’s homicide rate is 1.4, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Germany

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Germany, 4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, close to the OECD average. 30% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, however, higher than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Germany’s homicide rate is 0.8, much lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Greece

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Greece, 4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, close to the OECD average. 42% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, however, higher than the OECD average of 26% and the highest rate in the OECD.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Greece’s homicide rate is 1.1, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Hungary

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Hungary, 4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, close to the OECD average. 26% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, close to the OECD average.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Hungary’s homicide rate is 1.5, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Iceland

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Iceland, 3% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, lower than the OECD average of 4%. Only 6% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, however, much lower than the OECD average of 26% and the lowest rate in the OECD.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Iceland’s homicide rate is negligible, and the lowest rate in the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Ireland

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Ireland, 3% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, lower than the OECD average of 4%. 27% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, higher than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Ireland’s homicide rate is 2, close to the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Israel

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Israel, 3% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, lower than the OECD average of 4%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Israel’s homicide rate is 2.4, slightly higher than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Italy

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Italy, 5% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, higher than the OECD average of 4%. 35% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, higher than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Italy’s homicide rate is 1.2, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Japan

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Japan, only 2% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, lower than the OECD average of 4%. 35% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, however, higher than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Japan’s homicide rate is 0.5, one of the lowest rates in the OECD.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Korea

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Korea, only 2% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, lower than the OECD average of 4%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Korea’s homicide rate is 2.3, close to the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Luxembourg

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Luxembourg, 4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, close to the OECD average. 36% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, however, higher than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Luxembourg’s homicide rate is 1.5, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Mexico

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Mexico, 15% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, much higher than the OECD average of 4% and the highest rate in the OECD. 34% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, higher than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Mexico’s homicide rate has increased from 7 in 2002 to 11.6, much higher than the OECD average and the highest in the OECD.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Netherlands

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In the Netherlands, 5% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, higher than the OECD average of 4%. 18% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, however, lower than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, the Netherland’s homicide rate is 1, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

New Zealand

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In New Zealand, only 2% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, lower than the OECD average of 4%. 30% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, higher than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, New Zealand’s homicide rate is 1.3, slightly lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Norway

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Norway, 3% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, lower than the OECD average of 4%.14% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, much lower than the OECD average of 26% and one of the lowest rates in the OECD.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Norway’s homicide rate is 0.6, lower than the OECD average and one of the lowest in the OECD.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Poland

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Poland, only 2% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, lower than the OECD average of 4%. 33% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, however, higher than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Poland’s homicide rate is 1.2, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Portugal

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Portugal, 6% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, higher than the OECD average of 4%. 34% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, however, higher than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Portugal’s homicide rate is 1.2, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Slovak Republic

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In the Slovak Republic, 4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, close to the OECD average.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, the Slovak Republic’s homicide rate is 1.7, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Slovenia

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Slovenia, 4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, close to the OECD average.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Slovenia’s homicide rate is 0.5, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Spain

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Spain, 4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, close to the OECD average. 33% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, however, higher than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Spain’s homicide rate is 0.9, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Sweden

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Sweden, 5% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, higher than the OECD average of 4%. 19% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, much lower than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Sweden’s homicide rate is 0.9, lower than the OECD average and one of the lowest in the OECD.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Switzerland

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Switzerland, 4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, close to the OECD average.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Switzerland’s homicide rate is 0.7, lower than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

Turkey

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In Turkey, 6% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, higher than the OECD average of 4%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Turkey’s murder rate decreased from 5.6 to 2.9, and is now only slightly higher than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

United Kingdom

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In the United Kingdom, 2% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, lower than the OECD average of 4%. 31% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, higher than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, the United Kingdom’s homicide rate is 2.6, slightly higher than the OECD average.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.

United States

more

Key Findings

Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and largely reflects the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, victimisation rates for conventional crime (theft, robbery, assault) have declined in the new millennium. In the United States, 2% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, lower than the OECD average of 4%. 19% of people feel unsafe on the street after dark, also lower than the OECD average of 26%.

The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, the United States’ homicide rate is 5.2, higher than the OECD average and one of the highest in the OECD.

Indicators

Please activate Javascript to experience the interactive bar charts.