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
For more information on Teen Gangs.
