Little research in the United States has focused on homicides outside cities. This study examines the impact of structural factors on intimate partner homicides in rural counties, as well as, across the nation as a whole. Expanding on the paucity of research on rural crime, this research applies the systemic reformulation of social disorganization theory and considers the importance of civic engagement and religious participation variables in influencing these outcomes.

Utilizing recent Uniform Crime Report Supplementary Homicide Report data (2000–2005), U.S. Census data (2000), a study of County Characteristics (2000–2007), and the Association of Religion Data Archives Religious Congregations and Membership Study of 2000, this study investigates how the systemic reformulation of social disorganization theory explains intimate partner homicides across the country and in rural counties. In examining the structural correlates of homicide and the impact of social institutions, this research bridges the gaps between social organization theories and cultural or subcultural theories. By incorporating institutions into the analysis, this study examines the “relatively stable configuration of statuses, roles, values, and norms that emerge from the basic functional requirements of a society” (Messner and Rosenfeld, 1999: 28). Through the inclusion of religious and political institutions, this analysis adds to the understanding of the impact of institutional factors on intimate partner homicides and finds that in rural communities, especially, religious participation and voter participation are negatively correlated to intimate partner homicides.

This study found that the systemic reformulation of social disorganization theory and the concepts therein significantly explained intimate partner homicide counts across the country, though religious participation was not significant. For rural counties, the model was significant but only the population structure component, which included population density and population size, and religious participation were statistically significant These findings have important policy implications. With more recently emerging literature on the importance of civic engagement, this research highlights the importance of further investigation of voter participatory norms, especially in future studies of crimes in rural locations. Additionally, religious participation must be investigated further, especially in studies involving rural communities.