How many juveniles are arrested each year?

• Juvenile arrest rates declined by about three-quarters over the past 10 years. Between 2008 and 2017, the juvenile felony arrest rate declined from about 680 to 210 per 100,000 juveniles and the juvenile non-felony arrest rate declined from about 1,720 to 400.

• 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: January 2019