The research used neighborhood boundaries drawn to produce 65 relatively homogeneous ecological units. Neighborhood characteristics considered were housing quality, percentage of black population, type of land use, number of commercial establishments that would be crime targets, and rate of residential vacancies. The analysis also included social status, racial segregation, family status, transiency, and levels of delinquency and crime. The process of urban growth and development generated an expansion of delinquency and adult crime in old and new areas. A disproportionate share of residents engaged in crime as an alternative way of responding to changes in the community's social or economic structure. High offense rates tended to stabilize in the inner city, and areas in transition experienced increasing crime rates. Data tables, maps, 18 reference notes. (Author abstract modified)