Springfield, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Springfield, IL

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Springfield is 115.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 867 violent crimes reported in Springfield, equivalent to 770 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 108.3%. Additionally, Springfield recorded 4777 property crimes, amounting to 4244 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 117.2%.

With a total of 5015 crimes per 100,000 people, the Springfield crime rates stand at 115.76 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Springfield, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

Springfield has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 770 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Springfield falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 130 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

Springfield faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 4244 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Springfield stands at 1 in 24, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Springfield ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 507 vehicle thefts, amounting to 450 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Springfield within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 222.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Springfield?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Springfield residents. Out of the respondents (72 in total), 28% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Springfield were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 72% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Springfield a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Springfield, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Springfield presents a total crime rate that is 116% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Springfield experiences an average of 15.46 daily crimes, comprising 2.38 violent incidents and 13.09 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 Springfield 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 Springfield 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 Springfield has increased by 7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 8.7% and property crime has increased by 10.5%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Springfield

Springfield reports an unemployment rate of 3.6%, 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 Springfield crime rates.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Springfield, 87.4% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

Springfield has an average rental rate of $820 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Springfield crime map