Crime and Choice of Residence in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria: A Non-Parametric Analysis

Abstract

Urban residential patterns are influenced by individual and family choices and preferences of housing locations.  The economic, socio-cultural and physical environmental features of urban residential pattern may have some implication for type and rate of occurrence of crime and the reaction of residents to it as regards to where they choose to live.  This study investigates the effect crime has on households choice of residential location decision in Enugu.  Crime data from Nigerian  police record and 400 questionnaires distributed to residents of Enugu were used for the study.  This study showed that crime incidence is lowest in the medium density neighbourhoods of Enugu.  Crime rate, rent and income are the major factors considered by households while taking decision on residential location in Enugu.  The study also showed that awareness of crime in neighbourhood is associated with household choice of place of residence.  Crime rates need to be reduced in all neighbourhoods to ensure even development of the urban space.

Key words: crime, crime rate, crime occurrence, residential choice