More than 24 million households, almost a third of all households in the Nation, were touched by crime in 1980. A similar proportion had been victimized in each of the 6 years between 1975 and 1980. During this period, theft was the most prevalent crime, particularly personal theft without contact. Assault, robbery, and rape (in that order) were less prevalent. Among household crimes, household theft was more prevalent than burglary, which was more prevalent than motor vehicle theft. There was some indication that more black than white households were victimized and that households in standard metropolitan statistical areas were more likely to be victimized than those in small towns or rural areas. Personal theft without contact was more common in higher than in lower income households, and household crimes were more common in central city areas than in the suburbs. While the number of crimes measured has increased every year, the proportion affected has remained relatively stable over time. 7 figures and 3 notes.