Sue Scheff: Teen and Youth Gang Statistics

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

Source for information: The Rochester Youth Development Study and the Denver study