The Geography of Liquor and Crime through Regression Analysis.

Abstract

Many Studies conducted throughout the United States have found that liquor license distribution is positively correlated with an increase in crime rates. In order to explore this relationship in Eau Claire, WI we compiled city crime data, census data, and liquor license data in a geographic information system and performed regression analysis in order to examine the correlation between crime rates and liquor license density. A sampling grid for the study area, the City of Eau Claire, was generated and all variables were aggregated to the sample grid cells of size .32 square miles. Variables include average household income, unemployment, education, divorce, and race.