Line chart. Percentages of Americans who think there is more crime than there was a year ago in their local area since 1972 and in the U.S. since 1989. Data from the Oct. 3-20 Gallup poll shows 78% of Americans think there is more crime in the U.S. and 56% think there is more crime in their area. While each number has edged up since last year, perceptions of local crime are at their highest point since 1972. Perceptions of national crime remain below the 89% high recorded in 1992.