South Chicago Heights, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in South Chicago Heights, 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 South Chicago Heights crime rate is higher than the national average by 28.6%. Specifically, there were 23 violent crimes in South Chicago Heights, equivalent to 598 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 61.6%. Furthermore, South Chicago Heights recorded 92 property crimes, amounting to 2391 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 22.3%.

During the most recently reported crime year, South Chicago Heights experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and South Chicago Heights faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 24 vehicle thefts, translating to 624 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places South Chicago Heights 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 161.

Is South Chicago Heights a Safe Place to Live?

Is South Chicago Heights 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, South Chicago Heights has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 29%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.32 daily incidents, encompassing 0.06 violent crimes and 0.25 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of South Chicago Heights as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in South Chicago Heights Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in South Chicago Heights has decreased by 36.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not South Chicago Heights 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 27.8%, while property crime has decreased by 43.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in South Chicago Heights.

Potential Causes for Crime in South Chicago Heights

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 South Chicago Heights crime rate. The poverty level in South Chicago Heights is 18.7%, while the national average is 15.1%.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In South Chicago Heights, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 0, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in South Chicago Heights stands at $102,500, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

South Chicago Heights crime map