Perceptions of U.S. crime have improved since last year, according to a Gallup poll

A recent survey shows that Americans' attitudes toward crime in the country have improved compared to how they felt in 2023.

According to Gallup, the public's perception on the issue has changed: 64% now say national crime increased significantly last year, a 13-point decline from 2023. And 56% of people now believe the problem is The number of cases where crime in the country is “extremely” or “very” serious has fallen by seven percentage points.

Another 29% of respondents say there is less crime and 4% think crime is about the same. About 25% of Americans think crime is “extreme” and 31% say it is “very” serious, 37% say it is “moderate” and 5% say it is “not too” serious.

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The results of the survey come from Gallup's annual crime survey October 1-12. But in a separate September poll, Gallup found that while crime is not among the top election issues impacting voters' presidential choice in 2024, 75% still believe crime is extremely or very important to their vote .

Political parties polled by Gallup were divided on their views on crime. Democrats (29%) believe crime has increased, while fewer independents agree.

But 60% of Democrats say there is less crime in the US now than in 2023, while Republicans (90%) say crime is up.

Additionally, 78% of Republicans believe crime is an extremely or very serious problem in the U.S., compared to 35% of Democrats.

Also the respondents shared their views on the impact of local crime in their areas. About 49% of Americans say there is more crime in their area than last year.

Additionally, Republicans (69%) say local crime is increasing, while 23% of Democrats believe crime is increasing in their area. But independents' perceptions of local crime are similar to those of Republicans and Democrats.