The crime index total was 13.5 or 5,550 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants. Compared to 1986, violent crime remained virtually unchanged. Aggravated assault showed a 2 percent increase, murder decreased 3 percent, robbery decreased 5 percent, and rape decreased less than 1 percent. Collectively, property crime was up 3 percent nationwide for a rate of 4,940 offenses per 100,000. Burglary showed little change, larceny rose 3 percent, theft rose 5 percent, and arson decreased 5 percent relative to 1986. The West showed a 1 percent decrease in serious crime, while increases were reported in the South (4 percent), the Northeast (3 percent), and the Midwest (2 percent). Urban and rural counties showed a 2 percent increase in overall crime, while suburban counties showed a 3 percent increase. Of total crime index offenses, 21 percent were cleared. Clearance rates were 47 percent for violent crimes and 18 percent for property crimes. Arrests for all offenses except traffic violations totalled 12.7 million. Overall, arrests increased 2 percent over 1986. Of arrestees, 83 percent were under 25 years old, four of five were male, and 69 percent were white. 7 figures.