Pontiac, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Pontiac, IL

The Pontiac crime rates are 52.5% 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 31 violent crimes in Pontiac (274 per 100,000 people), which is 26% lower than the national average and there were a total of 94 property crimes (829 per 100,000 residents) which is 57.6% lower than average.

In the latest reported crime year, Pontiac 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.

Is Pontiac a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Pontiac 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 Pontiac crime rate is 53% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.34 crimes per day - 0.08 violent crimes and 0.26 property crimes.

Has Crime in Pontiac Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Pontiac has decreased by 29% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Pontiac 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 increased by 10.7%, while property crime has decreased by 36.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Pontiac.

Potential Causes for Crime in Pontiac

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Pontiac crime rate. The poverty level in Pontiac is 14%, while the national average is 15.1%.

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Pontiac currently has an unemployment rate of 2.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

In Pontiac, the average rental rates are $773 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Pontiac crime map