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Examining the impact of vertical land use mix on urban crime at the block level
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Examining the impact of vertical land use mix on urban crime at the block level

Young-An Kim and James C. Wo
Journal of criminal justice, Vol.105, 102691
07/2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2026.102691

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Abstract

This study examines how both horizontal (2D) and vertical (3D) land use mix influence spatial crime patterns at the block level in a dense urban environment. It introduces the concept of vertical land use mix—the stacking of diverse land uses within buildings—to better understand how vertical urban form shapes crime in blocks. Negative binomial regression was employed to model various crime types while accounting for structural characteristics. Findings indicate a curvilinear relationship between 2D land use mix and crime. However, high levels of vertical 3D land use mix were consistently linked to increased crime across multiple offense types. •This study conceptualizes and tests how 3D vertical land use mix impacts urban crime across New York City blocks.•Vertical land use mix affects crime differently than traditional, horizontal land use mix measures.•The findings provide important spatial insights for vertical urban planning and crime prevention.
Built environment Land use mix Mixed-use Spatial crime pattern Uurban density

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