The chapter begins by outlining recent crime rate trends, noting that by most indicators, violent crime generally is declining. The author then challenges the traditional view that the South has the highest rate of violent crime; in fact, the West now seems to lead in this crime category. Two related theories of violent crime are explored as explanations of violent crime rates and situations. The first is the routine-activities approach, which locates violent-crime levels in the extent to which daily lifestyle activities place people in varying risk situations. The second is the situational transaction model, which explains violent crime as the result of interactions whereby perceived insults are not amicably negotiated by the parties involved. The remainder of the chapter discusses what the research findings indicate about homicide, rape, robbery, and assault. Research shows that economic deprivation, perhaps both inequality and poverty, are apparently the most consistent correlates of all types of violent crime. The case against subcultures as a correlate of violence is negative for all types of violent crime. Recommendations for additional research on violent crime are offered. 4 figures