An Overview of Crime Rates in Peoria, 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 Peoria is 86.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 1314 violent crimes reported in Peoria, equivalent to 1189 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 221.4%. Additionally, Peoria recorded 3469 property crimes, amounting to 3138 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 60.6%.
In Peoria, the crime rate stands at 4327 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 86.15%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Peoria that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Peoria ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1189 per 100,000 people, Peoria is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 85 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Peoria, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Peoria stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Peoria, there were a total of 24 murders, translating to 22 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
With a total of 602 vehicle thefts last year, Peoria has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 545 per 100,000 people. This lands Peoria in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 184.
What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Peoria?
AreaVibes surveyed 131 local residents in Peoria to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 18% of people answered that there was very little crime in Peoria and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 82% 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 Peoria a Safe Place to Live?
Is Peoria 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, Peoria has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 86%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 13.1 daily incidents, encompassing 3.6 violent crimes and 9.5 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Peoria as a potential place to call home.
Has Crime in Peoria Increased Since Last Year?
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Peoria has decreased by 10.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Peoria, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 13.5%, while property crime has decreased by 16.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Peoria is a safe place to live.
Potential Causes for Crime in Peoria
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Peoria, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Peoria crime rates. Peoria registers a population density of 2348.2 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Peoria, 84.3% 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.
