Violent crimes in a community and quality of life for its inhabitants: Results of a multi-level study in South Korea

Violent crimes have gradually been increasing in number in South Korea, and this increase is expected to affect quality of life (QOL). In this study, we investigated the relationship between a community's crime rates and its QOL that little attention has been paid. We used Community Health Survey, e-provincial indicators, and Official Crime Statistics during 2008‒2012. We performed a multi-level analysis adjusting for both individual- and community-level variables to examine the relationships. Among 234,485 participants, 46.8% were males and 53.2% were females. From the multi-level analysis, statistically significant higher homicide and rape rates showed an inverse relationship with the QOL of inhabitants in the community for both males and females. Additionally, strong inverse relationship were shown among individuals living in detached houses compared with individuals living in apartments. The relationships were more significant in females than males. In conclusions, increases in violent crimes, such as intentional homicide and rape, in the community appears to decrease the QOL of its inhabitants. Improved strategies are needed to address mental health issues related to community crime rates. •This article investigated relationship between crime rates and QOL in South Korea.•Higher homicide and rape rates showed an inverse relationship with QOL of inhabitants.•The inverse relationships were more significant in females and living in detached houses.•Improved strategies are needed to address mental health issues related to community crime rates.