Facts-First Policy Content.

January 30, 2025

In our past briefs, we have explored unauthorized immigration, its recent increases, and where migrants tend to settle in the United States. We've also analyzed the relationship between migrant populations within specific communities and violent crime rates. While our research wasn’t intended to suggest that migrants don’t commit crimes, available data does suggest there is no direct connection between overall crime rates within communities with higher numbers of migrants. This brief extends our analysis to consider a less serious but more common crime: car theft.

January 23, 2025

Housing affordability has been at the forefront of national discussions, as average home prices have risen significantly across the U.S. in recent years. Many stories have highlighted sharp price increases in large cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. However, less data is readily available to determine whether prices have increased nationwide or only in some areas. It is also unclear to what degree, if any, incomes have kept pace with higher home prices. In this brief, we examine trends in home prices and incomes across a range of urban and rural communities. What areas of the country are experiencing the greatest impact from rising home prices? Are there communities where increased incomes have kept pace with home prices?

January 16, 2025

Reforming health-care has been a perennial goal of American politicians. Many of these attempts have fallen short. Why is expanding access, improving care, and keeping costs down so hard? This brief provides an overview of the main issues. Subsequent briefs will address specific programs and proposals.