The analysis specifically examined whether age and race relationships with crime and unemployment differed in direction or intensity from those found in the general population. Findings revealed that age and race only partially explained criminal activity at the aggregate level. Unemployment affected crime rates of most age groups and races, even when controlling for various other influences that have been linked theoretically and empirically to criminal offending. Upward trends in unemployment appeared to increase the motivation to commit property crimes among all groups. In particular, whites seemed more susceptible than blacks to motivational impacts stemming from unemployment rate fluctuations. The link between unemployment and homicide was somewhat indirect. In general, criminal opportunity and motivation were related to unemployment at the aggregate level but varied among age groups. 82 references, 15 notes, and 4 tables