In 49 percent of the reported arson incidents, structures were the most frequent targets. Residential property was involved in 59 percent of structural arsons during the year; 41 percent of these structural arsons were of single-family dwellings.

The monetary value of property damaged due to reported arsons averaged $11,294 per incident.

Persons under the age of 18 were involved in 46 percent of arson crimes cleared by law enforcement in 1997. Of the eight Crime Index offenses, arson had the highest percentage of juvenile involvement.

Source: FBI National Press Office; November 22, 1998