Assessing Spatial Associations Between Crime Exposure and Neighborhood Walkability: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Socio-Environmental Moderators in Detroit

Abstract

Walkability is a multidimensional construct shaped by the built environment, social context, and perceived safety. Yet, most empirical studies treat walkability as spatially independent, overlooking the spatial and contextual factors that influence its relationship with neighborhood crime. This study investigates how crime affects walkability across Detroit, Michigan. Using data from 2021–2023, we developed a cross-sectional dataset of 624 census block groups. Comparing ordinary least squares (OLS), spatial lag (SLM), and spatial error (SEM) specifications, the SLM consistently provided the best fit, indicating strong spatial spillover in neighborhood walkability. Results show that higher local crime densities are positively associated with walkability, likely reflecting denser, mixed-use areas with greater pedestrian activity and exposure. Built-environment characteristics, particularly intersection density, land-use diversity, and population density, emerged as the most robust predictors of walkability, while socio-demographic factors showed weaker effects. Moderation analyses further reveal that the positive crime and walkability association diminishes in neighborhoods with higher proportions of Black residents, suggesting that structural inequities and historical segregation shape the realized benefits of walkable environments. These findings underscore the importance of accounting for spatial dependence and neighborhood context when assessing the complex interplay between safety, equity, and urban form.