The role of public murals in street vitality

Abstract

Murals have become a prominent feature of urban revitalization efforts, yet empirical research on their impact on street vitality remains limited. This study examines the relationship between murals and street vitality—measured by foot traffic and crime rates—in Cincinnati, Ohio. Analyzing block-level characteristics, we find that murals are strongly correlated with existing commercial and cultural amenities. Our analysis shows that blocks featuring murals experience significant increases in pedestrian activity, household income, rents, and housing values, signaling process of both revitalization and gentrification. Foot traffic is particularly high in mural-adorned areas when aligned with the Main Street model, which features a mix of housing, daily and recreational commerce, small businesses, and historic buildings within a walkable streetscape. Multivariate regression confirms a significant, positive association between murals and foot traffic, even when controlling for demographic factors. While the relationship between murals and overall crime reduction is statistically weaker, we observe a notable decrease in violent crime when murals coexist with commercial clusters. These findings underscore the role of murals in placemaking and suggest opportunities for collaboration among artists, small businesses, and residents. We recommend that policymakers link mural initiatives with affordable housing and long-term employment strategies to support inclusive growth and community stability.