The analysis used differential typological prediction methods, in contrast to the sole use of correlational procedures or factor analytic designs typically found in crime area research. The findings are mainly illustrative of the general research design of differential typological prediction. The issues analyzed were (1) whether the social area structure of suburban metropolitan counties is similar to that of urban areas, (2) whether the ecological distribution of crime in suburban places is similar to that of urban areas, and (3) whether patterns of association of contingencies among elements of suburban social area structure and crime distribution are similar to those associations or contingencies found in urban areas. The final issue analyzed was that whether in view of recent trends indicating the 'urbanization' of suburban areas, criminogenic or ecological forces can be identified that may require more intensive analysis, prevention, or remediation. The discussion of findings concentrates on the capacity of differential typological prediction to identify true ekistical or cross-level effects. In general, patterns of association between the qualitative aspects of crime occurrence and structural attributes of social area identified through differential typological prediction methods can be interpreted as 'contingent control relations.' Such relationships are those in which characteristics of the setting or environment place limits upon or provide opportunities for the occurrence of certain entities. Tabular data and 27 notes are provided. For related papers, see NCJ 74011.