2024 School Crime Rates: Higher On-Campus Than Off, New Report Finds

In 2024, students aged 12 to 18 reported experiencing higher crime rates at school compared to outside school, according to a federal analysis. Despite this, the overall school crime victimization rate has remained relatively unchanged since 2014. The Bureau of Justice Statistics report highlighted that school safety remains a major concern for educators, students, parents, and policymakers focusing on violence and discipline issues.

The National Crime Victimization Survey, which forms the basis of this report, covers crimes reported by individuals from July 2023 through November 2024. It differentiates itself from administrative data by capturing crime victimization as reported by respondents, not just those known to police or schools. The survey defines “at school” broadly, including incidents within school buildings, on school property, school buses, or during commutes.

In 2024, the overall victimization rate at school was 27 per 1,000 students, compared to 17.7 per 1,000 away from school. Nonfatal violent victimization at school saw a significant increase from 14.2 per 1,000 in 2023 to 21.8 per 1,000 in 2024. However, the decade-long rate between 2014 and 2024 showed no significant change. Simple assault contributed largely to nonfatal violent victimization, with a rate of 5.8 per 1,000 when excluded. Theft victimization at school declined from 14.1 per 1,000 in 2014 to 5.2 per 1,000 in 2024.

Differences among students

The report revealed variations in victimization rates based on students’ living areas and household income. Suburban students faced a higher victimization rate at school (31.5 per 1,000) compared to rural students (11 per 1,000). Urban students had a rate of 27 per 1,000, although with less reliable data. Students from households earning less than $25,000 annually had the highest victimization rate at school, while those from households earning $100,000 or more had the lowest rate. No significant differences were noted in victimization rates based on race, Hispanic origin, or between male and female students at school. However, away from school, female students experienced higher victimization rates than males (23.5 per 1,000 vs. 12.2 per 1,000).

Younger students aged 12 to 14 experienced higher theft victimization rates at school (7.5 per 1,000) compared to older students aged 15 to 18 (3 per 1,000).

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