The theoretical basis for this socioeconomic approach is derived from an integration of anomie-opportunity theory and neo-Marxian political economy. The study hypothesizes that indicators of economic relations will be more associated with property crimes and indicators of subcultural factors more associated with violent crimes. Empirical analysis is based on data from a 1970 cross-sectional sample of the 55 largest cities in the United States and a time series data set for 1953-77. Correlation and multiple regression techniques illuminate the nature of the economy-crime relation while controlling for various noneconomic variables. The study found, when using the cross-sectional data, that economic factors, such as unemployment, were generally associated with property crimes, although certain economic variables were also associated with both types of crime. As expected, subculture variables were more likely to be associated with violent crimes. The time series data, exhibiting similar findings, indicate that the consumer price index is a far better predictor of crime rates than the other economic variables, and it is related to both property and violent crimes in much the same manner as the income inequality variable in the cross-sectional analysis. Tables, graphs, diagrams, and about 500 references are included. Chapter notes are appended. (Author abstract modified)