Seasonal Patterns in Criminal Victimization Trends

Bureau of Justice StatisticsThis report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics examines seasonal patterns in violent and household property incidents in the United States from 1993 to 2010. Seasonal patterns are similar fluctuations of rates that tend to recur each year during the same season.

Key findings are:
  • Data indicate a higher rate of household property crimes (including burglary, motor vehicle theft, and household larceny) in the summer.
  • Motor vehicle thefts do not have a seasonal pattern.
  • For violent assaults (including rape and sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, simple assault), patterns vary depending on the crime.
  • Aggravated assault rates are highest in the summer, whereas rates for simple assault—such as bodily injury during a consensual fight—are highest in the fall.
  • Rape, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence rates are highest in the summer.
  • Robbery rates do not have seasonal variations.
To view the report, click here.