In general, the findings associating individual characteristics and fear of crime corroborated earlier studies. The elderly, women, blacks, and persons who live alone are more afraid. Blacks are more fearful during the day than whites; this fear is more closely related to violent crime rates than total crime rates. Long-term residents who have watched significant changes occurring in their environment are more fearful of crime, as are better educated residents who feel a lack of control. Fear levels must be understood through an analysis of the interaction between individual and neighborhood characteristics and an examination of factors that lead to a sense of loss of control. 2 tables, 2 figures, 1 note, and 22 references (Author abstract modified)