Bellwood, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bellwood, IL

The Bellwood crime rates are 10.9% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 64 violent crimes in Bellwood (356 per 100,000 people), which is 3.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 308 property crimes (1714 per 100,000 residents) which is 12.3% lower than average.

When assessing the total crime rate in Bellwood per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Bellwood, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Bellwood has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 356 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

Bellwood maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Bellwood, 1714 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Bellwood faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 102 vehicle thefts, translating to 568 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Bellwood in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 177.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bellwood?

What do the local residents think about crime in Bellwood? Well, based on a recent survey of 7 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 29% of Bellwood residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 71% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Bellwood a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bellwood a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Bellwood crime rate is 11% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.02 crimes per day - 0.18 violent crimes and 0.84 property crimes.

Has Crime in Bellwood Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Bellwood. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Bellwood has decreased by 33.6%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 49.6%, while property crime has decreased by 28.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Bellwood.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bellwood

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Bellwood crime rates. The population density in Bellwood is 7839 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Bellwood has a median home price of $161,600, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Bellwood, the average monthly rent stands at $1,043, while the national average is $949 per month.

Bellwood crime map