Trump effect? Fewer Americans now view crime as a serious problem

Americans’ perceptions of crime have improved markedly in 2025, with fewer than half now viewing it as a very serious issue — the most positive assessment in years.

According to Gallup’s latest annual Crime poll, conducted from October 1–16, 49% of US adults say crime is an “extremely” or “very” serious problem, down seven points from last year.

The same share, 49%, believes crime has increased over the past year — a 15-point drop — bringing both measures to their lowest levels since at least 2018.

The shift in sentiment comes amid a change in administration. Following years of pessimism about public safety, Americans’ views of national crime conditions have returned to levels last seen in the early 2000s.

Crime fears ease across most groups

According to the poll, perceptions of crime have improved across nearly all demographic and political subgroups since 2023.

Majorities of Republicans, women, lower-income Americans, and rural residents still describe crime as a serious problem — but those shares have declined significantly compared with two years ago.

Interestingly, Democrats are now more likely than last year to say crime has increased, a reversal of past patterns tied to political shifts. Historically, Americans who share the sitting president’s party tend to view national crime trends more favourably. The data reflect this pattern once again: Republicans’ belief that crime is rising has fallen by 36 points since 2024, after President Donald Trump took office.

Locally, Americans remain less alarmed. Only 12% describe crime in their area as extremely or very serious, compared with 30% who say it has risen in the past year — both notable declines from 2023.

Fear of walking alone at night has also dropped to a near-record low: just 31% say they are afraid to do so, down from 40% two years ago and approaching the historic low recorded in 2020.

Worry about personal victimisation, scams still high

While public concern about violent and property crime has eased, financial and digital threats remain top of mind.

Majorities of Americans worry about identity theft (69%) and being deceived by financial scams (53%) — the only crimes where concern remains widespread.

Fears of being mugged, murdered, sexually assaulted, or burglarised have all declined, while anxiety about a child being harmed at school and about hate crimes has held steady.

Gender continues to be a major dividing line: women are far more likely than men to express concern about personal safety, sexual assault, or their children’s well-being.

Overall, Gallup’s data indicate a significant turnaround in public sentiment.

Americans’ views of national crime are the most optimistic in nearly a decade, echoing FBI figures that show a 4.5% decrease in US crime in 2024. Yet despite the improving outlook, lingering fears over cybercrime and personal security suggest that safety — while less of a national crisis — remains a deeply personal concern.