This study examines how early entries into adult roles are associated with aggressive and violent behavior occurring from early adolescence to young adulthood among 499 males and 578 females living in low-income, central-city neighborhoods. Among males, engagement in adult roles accounted for the relationship between higher levels of aggressive behavior during early adolescence and violence in young adulthood. Males who lived independently and males who were behind in school or not in school at age 19 and 20 years (regardless of labor force participation) were at increased risk of engaging in violence in young adulthood. Among females, the positive association between early adolescent aggressive behavior and violence in young adulthood persisted even after accounting for involvement in adult roles. For females, parenthood and independent living were associated with involvement in violence during young adulthood in varying ways depending on labor force participation. (Contains 3 tables and 2 figures.)