Aggravated Assault Arrests in Houston: Racial, Age, and Geographic Patterns

Aggravated assault remains a significant form of urban violent crime, yet limited research has examined its geographic clustering alongside demographic disparities. This study analyzes aggravated assault arrests in Houston using Houston Police Department data (N = 30,718) from 2017 to 2019. Employing descriptive statistics, geospatial analysis, and logistic regression, we assess racial/ethnic, age, and district-level patterns in aggravated versus non-aggravated arrests. Findings reveal notable disparities, with Black individuals and youth—particularly those aged 17–20—experiencing higher odds of aggravated assault arrests. While district-level effects were not statistically significant, descriptive spatial patterns indicate variation in arrest concentration across areas. Interpreted through structural and spatial frameworks, these results highlight the role of broader social inequalities and place-based dynamics. Despite limitations of arrest data and coarse geographic units, this study underscores the value of integrating spatial and quantitative approaches to inform targeted, equitable violence prevention strategies.