Here's Where Democrats and Republicans Agree on Crime

Americans across party lines are becoming increasingly concerned with rising crime rates and criminal justice reform. While many Democrats will point out that murder rates are rising disproportionately in red states, some Republicans will be quick to respond that violent crime rates are worse in blue cities. Not only do the two sides have different ideas about who is to blame, but they also have many opposing solutions. 

However, most Americans agree that crime is a problem and support select bipartisan solutions. Here are a few examples of data and stories that support that:

• A 2024 Pew Research poll found that 48% of Americans believe violent crime is a major national issue, ranking it above climate change (36%), terrorism (31%), and racism (29%).
• Pew also reported in 2024 that 58% of Americans believe crime should be a top priority for the president and Congress—including 68% of Republicans and 47% of Democrats—showing notable bipartisan concern.
• 2024 data from Crime Survivors Speak revealed that 36% of Democrats, 35% of Republicans, and 31% of Independents have personally experienced violent crime, highlighting that victimhood itself is politically nonpartisan.
• The same report showed that two-thirds of crime victims prioritize funding for mental health and addiction services, school prevention programs, and crisis support—favoring these measures over increased policing or punishment by a nearly 2-to-1 margin.
• A 2023 U.S. Conference of Mayors survey found that 97% of cities reported rising mental health service requests, and 88% say they lack the resources to meet those needs. 71% say their residents simply do not have access to the care they need.
• A 2024 FWD.us/BSG poll found overwhelming bipartisan support for criminal justice reform: 85% of Democrats, 82% of Independents, and 76% of Republicans are in favor. Additionally, 72% of Americanssupport reducing the prison population, including 84% of Democrats, 70% of Independents, and 63% of Republicans.
• The Legal Action Center found in 2024 that 75% of Americans believe substance use disorders (SUDs) should be treated as a health issue, not a criminal one—up from 67% in 2019.
• 2024 polling by the Cicero Institute found 73% of Americans support offering parole or probation reductions for non-violent offenders who maintain steady employment or complete job programs—including 69% of Republicans and 79% of Democrats.
• That same poll found strong support for homelessness-related reforms:
  • 72% believe the homeless should be relocated into shelters.
  • 67% support designated camping areas with access to services.
  • 60% favor stricter penalties for facilities that permit drug use.
  • 62% support shortening sentences for non-violent offenders who complete mental health or substance abuse programs—backed by 68% of Democrats, 62% of Independents, and 57% of Republicans.
• 2022 YouGovAmerica data previously showed that 52% of Americans were somewhat or very worried about becoming victims of violent crime, including 55% of both Republicans and Democrats.
• 2022 YouGovAmerica polling also found that 90% of Democrats and 87% of Republicans believe the economy contributes—at least somewhat—to the rise in murder rates.
• 2021 Newsweek polling found 84% of Americans across the political spectrum believe underfunded mental health programs contribute to increased violent crime.
• 2017 ACLU polling found that 91% of Americans—across parties—agree the criminal justice system needs reform.
  • 71% supported reducing the prison population.
  • 72% would be more likely to vote for candidates supporting alternatives to incarceration like drug treatment and mental health services.
  • 87% believed violent offenders with mental illness should be treated in professional programs rather than prison.
  • 61% believed even those who committed violent crimes can turn their lives around.

See more examples of common ground on issues where you might not expect to find it:

• Democrats and Republicans Actually Agree on Many Policing Reforms
• Here's Where Democrats and Republicans Agree on Abortion
• Unexpected Overlaps: Republican Voters Believe Humans Contribute to Climate Change, Support Limiting Emissions
• Republicans and Democrats Actually Agree on These Gun Restriction Policies
• Democrats and Republicans Actually Agree on These Immigration Views and Policies
• Democrats and Republicans Actually Both Support These Free Speech Positions

Clare Ashcraft is the Bridging Intern at AllSides. She has a Center bias.

Reviewed by News Research Assistant Ethan Horowitz (Lean Right bias), AllSides Managing Editor Henry A. Brechter (Center bias), Director of Research and Data Journalism Andrew Weinzierl (Lean Left bias), and Weekend News Editor Antonio Ferme (Center bias).

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