Wood River, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Wood River, 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 Wood River crime rate is higher than the national average by 17.6%. Specifically, there were 37 violent crimes in Wood River, equivalent to 357 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 3.3%. Furthermore, Wood River recorded 246 property crimes, amounting to 2377 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 21.6%.

The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Wood River is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Wood River reported 357 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 370.

In the most recently reported crime year, Wood River registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Wood River?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Wood River. Based on the results of the surveys (12 responses), 50% of people felt that there was very little crime in Wood River and felt safe walking alone at night. While 50% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Wood River a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Wood River, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Wood River presents a total crime rate that is 18% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Wood River experiences an average of 0.78 daily crimes, comprising 0.1 violent incidents and 0.67 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 Wood River Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Wood River. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Wood River has decreased by 51.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 37.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 53.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Wood River

In Wood River, 80.5% 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.

Wood River has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.26 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

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. Wood River has a median home price of $86,400, 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.

Wood River crime map