Abstract

The sense of security of inhabitants within the immediate residential surrounding is nurtured by personal and land factors and social relationships among neighbors. By using multivariate linear regression, this paper explores the main factors that determine the individual perception of security. This methodology is applied with a multilevel perspective that considers individual determinants (age, education, household income) and determinants regarding social relationships and the residential area of the individual. The results at variable level are consistent with previous evidence. Different variables related to social interaction within a neighborhood have impact on the sense of security. Particularly, trust and interaction among neighbors and the age of neighborhoods are important elements that determine the sense of security. The role played by physical disorder does not seem relevant. The presence of security programs at municipal level is important as it reveals the relevance of these initiatives.