Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Sue Scheff on Youth Gang Statistics


Youth gang activity is a significant problem in the United States. The following are statistics related to youth violence and gang activities:

14 percent of teens are gang members (according to a survey in Denver)

89 percent of serious violent crimes committed by teens were committed by gang members
Gang members are 60 percent more likely to be killed

The average age of a gang member is 17 to 18 years old

25 percent of gang members are between the age of 15 and 17

Police reports indicate that 6 percent of gang members are female and that 39 percent of gangs have female members

Of female gang members:

78 percent have been in a gang fight
65 percent carry a weapon for protection
39 percent have attacked someone with a weapon

Youth gang activity by area type:

72 percent of large cities
33 percent of small cities
56 percent of suburban counties
24 percent of rural counties
51 percent overall

Youth gang activity by region:

74 percent in the West
52 percent in the Midwest
49 percent in the South
31 percent in the Northeast

51 percent overall