How many juveniles are arrested each year?

• Both felony and non-felony juvenile arrest rates declined by about two-thirds over the past 10 years. Between 2005 and 2015, the juvenile felony arrest rate declined from about 640 to 230 per 100,000 juveniles and the juvenile non-felony arrest rate declined from about 1,700 to 550.

• There is no consensus among researchers as to why juvenile arrest rates have declined. One possible explanation is the implementation of more effective prevention and intervention programs. In addition, some of the same factors that may have led to declining crime rates nationwide—such as economic factors—may have contributed to the decline in juvenile crime.

Last Updated: December 2016