| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Elgin/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,066 | n/a (estimate) | 942 | 1,970 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 2.7 | 7.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 87 | n/a | 76.9 | 48.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 31 | n/a | 27.4 | 84.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 94 | n/a | 83.0 | 146.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 215 | n/a (estimate) | 190 | 287 | 370 |
| Burglary | 108 | n/a | 95.4 | 208.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 660 | n/a | 583.0 | 1,192.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 83 | n/a | 73.3 | 281.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 851 | n/a (estimate) | 752 | 1,683 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Elgin is 59.5% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Elgin, there were 215 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 190 per 100,000 individuals, 48.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 851 property crimes, amounting to 752 per 100,000 residents, 61.5% lower than the U.S. average.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Elgin residents. Out of the respondents (44 in total), 36% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Elgin were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 64% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Elgin 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, Elgin has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 59%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.92 daily incidents, encompassing 0.59 violent crimes and 2.33 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Elgin as a potential place to call home.
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 Elgin 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 Elgin has decreased by 35.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 3.6% and property crime has decreased by 40.5%.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Elgin crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Elgin has an unemployment rate of 4.4%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
Elgin has a population density of 2946.9 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Elgin crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Elgin, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.97 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Elgin | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 215 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Illinois /100K | National /100K |
| Illinois | 32,213 | 263 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Campton Hills, IL | 10,962 | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Pingree Grove, IL | 8,768 | 45 | 172 | 217 |
| Tower Lakes, IL | 1,293 | 40 | 236 | 276 |
| Inverness, IL | 7,959 | 27 | 260 | 287 |
| Port Barrington, IL | 1,742 | 45 | 261 | 306 |
| North Barrington, IL | 2,789 | 45 | 264 | 309 |
| Wayne, IL | 2,477 | 0 | 313 | 313 |
| Elgin, IL | 112,062 | 190 | 752 | 942 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pueblo, CO | 111,776 | 1,621 | 6,390 | 8,010 |
| High Point, NC | 112,434 | 548 | 2,692 | 3,239 |
| Manchester, NH | 112,441 | 412 | 2,489 | 2,901 |
| Peoria, IL | 112,644 | 1,189 | 3,138 | 4,327 |
| Antioch, CA | 111,468 | 614 | 2,211 | 2,825 |
| Elgin, IL | 112,062 | 190 | 752 | 942 |
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