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Illinois Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 155 people in Illinois.

  • Illinois's violent crime rate is higher than the national average. It stands at 6.47 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Illinois's property crime rate is lower than the national average. It is recorded at 15.79 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Last updated on September 24th, 2023 at 01:13 pm

    by | Sep 7, 2023

    Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of Illinois, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.

     

    Within the diverse landscape of Illinois, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in Illinois. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Illinois Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    Violent Property Other
    Total Number 50,736 123,880 17,314
    Rate per 1000 6.47 15.79 2.21

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in Illinois. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

     

    Illinois’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Illinois has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average. In Illinois, the rate of violent crimes is 6.47 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Illinois vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rate in Illinois compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in Illinois in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    Illinois’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    Murder Rape Assault Robbery Kidnapping
    Total Number 1,092 5,713 33,155 5,955 633
    Rate per 1000 0.14 0.73 4.23 1.29 0.08
    Population 7,845,636

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    Murder Rape Assault Robbery Kidnapping
    Total Number 23,195 145,750 939,092 207,616 36,890
    Rate per 1000 0.07 0.44 2.83 0.63 0.11
    Population 331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in Illinois

    • Illinois’s murder crime rate is 0.14, which is higher than the national average of 0.07 by 100%.
    • On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 0.73, which is higher than the national average of 0.44 by 66%.
    • The assault crime rate of the state stands at 4.23, which is higher than the national average of 2.83 by 49%.
    • Robbery is a significant concern in Illinois, with a crime rate of 1.29, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.63 by 105%.
    • The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.08, which is lower than the national average of 0.11 by 27%.

    Illinois’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Illinois has a lower property crime rate compared to the national average. In Illinois, the rate of property crimes is 15.79 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Illinois vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Illinois compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

     

    Illinois’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    Burglary Arson Vandalism Blackmail Theft Vehicle Theft Identity Theft
    Total Number 11,465 541 42,370 171 57,784 11,430 119
    Rate per 1000 1.46 0.07 5.4 0.02 7.37 1.46 0.02
    Population 7,845,636

     

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    Burglary Arson Vandalism Blackmail Theft Vehicle Theft Identity Theft
    Total Number 898,487 27,917 1,307,229 12,270 4,630,773 888,618 187,853
    Rate per 1000 2.72 0.08 3.94 0.04 13.95 2.68 0.87
    Population 331,889,360

     

    Insights into Property Crimes in Illinois

    • Illinois experiences a burglary crime rate of 1.46, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 46%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.07, which is lower than the national average of 0.08 by 13%.
    • Vandalism is a concern in Illinois, with a crime rate of 5.4, which is higher than the national average of 3.94 by 37%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.02, which is lower than the national average of 0.04 by 50%.
    • Theft is not an area of focus, with a crime rate of 7.37 in Illinois, which is lower than the national average of 13.95 by 47%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 1.46, which is lower than the national average of 2.68 by 46%.
    • Illinois faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.02, which is 98% lower than the national average of 0.87.

     

    Illinois’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs Offenses Weapon Law Violations Prostitution Animal Cruelty
    Total Number 11,375 5,755 95 89
    Rate per 1000 1.45 0.73 0.01 0.01
    Population 7,845,636

     

     

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs Offenses Weapon Law Violations Prostitution Animal Cruelty
    Total Number 1,290,858 267,955 11,565 16,497
    Rate per 1000 3.89 0.81 0.04 0.05
    Population 331,889,360

    Illinois’s Other Crimes Data Insights

    • Drug offenses are not a significant concern in Illinois, with a rate of 1.45, which is significantly lower than the national average of 3.89 by 63%.
    • Weapon law violations are not an area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 0.73, which is lower than the national average of 0.81 by 10%.

     

    Conclusion

    Illinois has a higher murder and assault rate than the national average, and robbery is a concern with a rate significantly above the national average. However, rape and kidnapping rates are relatively lower. Burglary, arson, and vandalism rates are lower, and theft is not a major focus. Motor vehicle theft is also lower, and identity theft is significantly lower. Drug offenses are not a significant concern, but weapon law violations are an area of focus, though lower than the national average.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.