New Statistics Reveal Surprising Truths About Felony Offenders

New research on crime, using the generational gaps set by WJ Schroer Company, has revealed that age groups may play a part in criminal activity. The studies looked specifically at Generation X (1966-1976), Generation Y (1977-1994), and Generation Z (1995-2012) to determine how age and criminal activity were related, particularly because the generation gaps often create differences in disparity in other social and economic areas.

Which State has the Highest Number of Felonies?

The information provided by Intelius felony statistics organized felonies by state and found that the number of residents in each state wasn't as big of a factor as previously assumed. In fact, Texas registered the highest number of felonies out of all of the states, yet ranks second in U.S. population. The state of Texas represented 29% of felonies committed at a total of 49,421 felonious incidences. Conversely, Connecticut, which ranks 29th in the U.S. population, represented 7% of the total felonies.

The reason there seems to be fewer crimes in more densely populated areas is because a higher population means more witnesses. People out on the streets or watching from windows can inhibit criminal activity, while smaller or more widely dispersed populations can create the privacy needed for criminal activity.

Age may play a part in determining how many felonies are committed by state, as well. States with more Generation X and Y individuals often have a higher rate of criminal activity. In Texas and Wisconsin, where there was an overall higher number of felony crimes committed, those crimes were primarily committed by people born between 1966 and 1994. Conversely, Generation Z represents the lowest number of felony offenders in the study.

Sex Crimes Change the Statistics

When looking at felonies in general, Texas makes the top of the list, followed by Wisconsin and North Carolina. Those rankings change, when looking specifically at felony sex crimes. Wisconsin overtakes Texas, representing the highest number of felonious sex crimes and Oregon knocks North Carolina out of the top three ranking altogether.The study looked at the period between 1990 and 2010 to determine the rate of felony sex offenses.

In 1990, there were eight felonious sex crimes committed per one million people, but that rate increased to 17 offenses per one million people by 2010. In Texas, there were .7 offenses per one million people in 1990, rising to three sex crimes committed per one million people by 2010. Of the three states, Oregon represents the most gradual increase in felony sex crimes, rising from five to nine per one million people within that same time frame.

When looking at the overall statistics, it's clear that there's less felony criminal activity being committed by Generation Z. They only represent 0.2% of all felony crimes. Conversely, Generation Y beats out the others, representing 35% of felonies committed between 1990 and 2010. Generation X committed 33% of felonies, while all other generations were responsible for 31.8% of felony crimes. This may indicate that the younger people of Generation Z are less apt to turn to crime, or other factors may be preventing them from indulging in criminal activity.