| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Sparta/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 49 | n/a (estimate) | 1,047 | 1,970 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 64.1 | 48.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 84.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 14 | n/a | 299.1 | 146.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 363 | 287 | 370 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 85.5 | 208.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 28 | n/a | 598.2 | 1,192.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 281.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 32 | n/a (estimate) | 684 | 1,683 | 1,954 |
The Sparta crime rates are 55% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 17 violent crimes in Sparta (363 per 100,000 people), which is 1.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 32 property crimes (684 per 100,000 residents) which is 65% lower than average.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Sparta has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 363 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Sparta reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Sparta has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 684 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1954. Based on this report, Sparta remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
The United States grapples with some of the world's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by reports of stolen vehicles. In the most recent crime report, Sparta emerged as one such city, recording zero reported vehicle thefts, affirming its status as a secure and vigilant community.
Determining whether Sparta is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Sparta has an overall crime rate that is 55% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.13 daily occurrences, comprising 0.05 violent crimes and 0.09 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Sparta as a potential place to establish residency.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Sparta, 84.1% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
In Sparta, the median home price stands at $95,400, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Sparta, the average rental rates are $652 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| Item | Sparta | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 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 |
| Ruma, IL | 442 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ellis Grove, IL | 316 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Coulterville, IL | 881 | 120 | 0 | 120 |
| New Athens, IL | 1,920 | 0 | 210 | 210 |
| Marissa, IL | 1,263 | 144 | 847 | 992 |
| Steeleville, IL | 1,870 | 156 | 913 | 1,068 |
| Red Bud, IL | 3,504 | 164 | 959 | 1,122 |
| Sparta, IL | 4,302 | 363 | 684 | 1,047 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Golden Triangle, NJ | 4,302 | 156 | 1,089 | 1,246 |
| Grayson, GA | 4,303 | 82 | 379 | 461 |
| Madeira Beach, FL | 4,303 | 67 | 407 | 474 |
| Narberth, PA | 4,304 | 134 | 1,336 | 1,469 |
| Mather, CA | 4,304 | 386 | 1,810 | 2,196 |
| Sparta, IL | 4,302 | 363 | 684 | 1,047 |
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