What are the primary reasons the u. s. crime rate is very high in global context? what steps would you recommend to try to reduce this rate?

The two biggest reasons are: 
1. We actually report the vast majority of crimes in this country. Many countries with less freedom and government controlled media, simply don't report legitimate numbers. 
2. In countries where bribery and corruption are standard procedure, crime rates don't include much of what we consider crime.

(i think if everyone had a job there would be less need for crime. so maybe improving unemployment rates might lower crime?)

Yes all of them are right