Criminological Aspects of Urban Migration: Exploring Migrant Influence on City Crime Patterns

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between migration and urban crime in Europe through a comparative analysis of selected cities and national prison systems. Using quantitative correlation methods, the study explores whether higher proportions of foreign-born residents are associated with increased crime rates, measured by the Crime Index and Safety Index, and whether foreign nationals are disproportionately represented in prison populations. Drawing on data from Eurostat, Numbeo, and European prison statistics, the article challenges the widespread assumption that immigration directly leads to higher levels of urban crime. The comparative analysis reveals substantial cross-country variation: cities such as Vienna, Amsterdam, and The Hague combine high levels of migrant diversity with low crime rates, while others with lower shares of foreign-born residents display higher crime indices. Further comparison between Germany, Switzerland, and Poland demonstrates that differences in incarceration rates of foreigners are closely linked to integration models, socio-economic inclusion, and legal frameworks rather than migration volume itself. The findings suggest that urban crime patterns are shaped primarily by governance quality, social cohesion, and integration policies. The article contributes to criminological and migration studies by highlighting the limits of simplistic migration–crime narratives and emphasizing the importance of comparative, context-sensitive analysis for evidence-based public policy.