Oak Lawn, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Oak Lawn, IL

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Oak Lawn crime rate is lower than the national average by 29.1%. Specifically, there were 67 violent crimes in Oak Lawn, equivalent to 120 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 67.6%. Furthermore, Oak Lawn recorded 855 property crimes, amounting to 1528 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 21.8%.

Oak Lawn distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 120 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Oak Lawn among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

In the latest reported crime year, Oak Lawn recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Oak Lawn?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Oak Lawn residents. Out of the respondents (28 in total), 57% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Oak Lawn were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 43% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Oak Lawn a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Oak Lawn, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Oak Lawn presents a total crime rate that is 29% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Oak Lawn experiences an average of 2.53 daily crimes, comprising 0.18 violent incidents and 2.34 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Oak Lawn Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Oak Lawn crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Oak Lawn has increased by 1.4% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 19.3% and property crime has increased by 3.5%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Oak Lawn

In Oak Lawn, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.1%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Oak Lawn crime rates.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Oak Lawn, the cost of living is 6.57% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Oak Lawn, the average rental rates are $1,115 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Oak Lawn crime map