DeKalb, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in DeKalb, IL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in DeKalb is 34.5% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In DeKalb, there were 222 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 547 per 100,000 individuals, 48% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1046 property crimes, amounting to 2579 per 100,000 residents, 32% higher than the U.S. average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in DeKalb?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of DeKalb residents. Out of the respondents (128 in total), 19% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in DeKalb were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 81% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is DeKalb a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if DeKalb is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. DeKalb has a total crime rate that is 35% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.47 daily crimes (0.61 violent daily crimes and 2.87 daily property crimes) in DeKalb.

Has Crime in DeKalb Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in DeKalb has increased by 2.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not DeKalb is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 7.5%, while property crime has increased by 4.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in DeKalb.

Potential Causes for Crime in DeKalb

DeKalb reports an unemployment rate of 6.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall DeKalb crime rates.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In DeKalb, 88.3% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In DeKalb, there are 0 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

DeKalb crime map