Park Forest, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Park Forest, 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 Park Forest crime rate is lower than the national average by 27.5%. Specifically, there were 65 violent crimes in Park Forest, equivalent to 311 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 15.9%. Furthermore, Park Forest recorded 287 property crimes, amounting to 1373 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 29.7%.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Park Forest is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 4 murders in Park Forest, which equates to 19 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Park Forest being a very dangerous place to live.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Park Forest has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Park Forest reported 90 vehicle thefts, which equates to 431 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Park Forest is 1 in 233.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Park Forest?

AreaVibes surveyed 19 local residents in Park Forest to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 26% of people answered that there was very little crime in Park Forest and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 74% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Park Forest a Safe Place to Live?

Is Park Forest a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Park Forest has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 28%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.96 daily incidents, encompassing 0.18 violent crimes and 0.79 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Park Forest as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Park Forest Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Park Forest has decreased by 13.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Park Forest 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 23.5%, while property crime has decreased by 11.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Park Forest.

Potential Causes for Crime in Park Forest

Park Forest has a poverty rate of 12.6, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

In Park Forest, 89% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

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. Park Forest has a median home price of $73,300, 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.

Park Forest crime map