INTRODUCTION: Previous studies suggest that sports participation may function as a protective factor against victimization among youth when examined at the individual level. Socioeconomic status and gender have both been linked to sports participation and victimization separately, but whether they moderate the relationship between the two remains understudied. Few studies have explored these dynamics at a broader geographical level, such as municipalities, particularly in a Swedish context. It is important to examine this as Swedish municipalities bear great responsibility for local crime prevention.

METHODS: This study utilized publicly available register data from 288 out of 290 Swedish municipalities during 2023. Negative binomial regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between sports participation and victimization among Swedish youth when measured at the municipal level.

RESULTS: The results initially showed that municipalities with higher sports participation had lower victimization rates. This association disappeared when various control variables were added. Neither socioeconomic status nor gender moderated this relationship.

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that sports participation may not be regarded as a stand-alone solution to youth victimization at the municipal level. Instead, the association appears to depend on broader contextual factors within municipalities. Future research is needed to explore this interplay further. Insights from these could assist policymakers in designing effective interventions aimed at reducing youth victimization.