Rethinking Perceptions of Crime and Safety in Rural and Remote Communities.

This article investigates how perceptions of crime and safety vary across urban, rural, and remote communities in Canada, emphasizing relative geographical isolation as the key dimension defining rurality. Using data from the 2014 Canadian General Social Survey and an innovative index of remoteness that measures communities along an urban–rural–remote continuum, the study finds that while perceptions of crime and safety are generally more favorable in rural areas compared to urban ones, these perceptions worsen significantly in highly isolated remote communities—surpassing urban areas in perceived crime and diminished safety. The research challenges idealized views of rural and remote areas as inherently safe and cohesive, highlighting the heterogeneity of non-urban spaces and the importance of considering geographical isolation in understanding social realities related to crime. These findings underscore the need for nuanced, evidence-based social policies that address the distinct experiences of residents across the continuum of community isolation.