F
116%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
108%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
117%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSpringfield/100k peopleIllinois/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime5,644n/a (estimate)5,0151,9702,324
Murder7n/a6.27.86.3
Rape96n/a85.348.140.0
Robbery147n/a130.684.766.1
Assault617n/a548.2146.7268.2
Violent crime867n/a (estimate)770287370
Burglary909n/a807.6208.5269.8
Theft3,361n/a2,986.31,192.71,401.9
Vehicle theft507n/a450.5281.6282.7
Property crime4,777n/a (estimate)4,2441,6831,954

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



The Springfield crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Springfield as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Springfield crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Springfield crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Crime Quick Facts

  • Springfield crime rates are 116% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Springfield are 108% higher than the national average
  • In Springfield you have a 1 in 20 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Springfield is safer than 6% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Springfield has increased by 8%

Springfield, IL Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Springfield (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Springfield, Illinois is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Springfield are 2.55 times more than the Illinois average and 2.16 times more than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Springfield are 2.68 times more than than Illinois and 2.08 times more than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Springfield are 2.52 times more than than Illinois and 2.17 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Springfield (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Springfield, Illinois compared to other areas of Illinois, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Springfield safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Springfield is safer than 2% of Illinois cities, and 6% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Illinois, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Springfield. At this time, Springfield sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Springfield

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Springfield is 1 in 130
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Springfield is 1 in 24
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Springfield is 1 in 20
        Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In Springfield, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 130. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 24 chance of being the victim of a property crime such as vehicle theft, personal property theft, and burglary. Your overall risk of becoming a crime victim in Springfield is 1 in 20.

        Year Over Year Crime In Springfield (per 100,000 people)

        A good indicator of whether Springfield is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Springfield has decreased by 8%, while the property crime rate in Springfield has increased by 11% year over year. The number of total crimes in Springfield has increased by 8% year over year.

        Springfield police department

        Item Springfield Illinois National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)28730,690558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.52.63.3
        There are a total of 287 Springfield police officers. This results in 2.5 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 7.5% less than the Illinois average and 24.6% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Illinois

        State Total offenders Illinois /100K National /100K
        Illinois32,213263266
        There are a total of 32,213 sex offenders in Illinois. This yields a total of 263 sex offenders in Illinois per 100,000 residents which is 1% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Kincaid, IL1,428000
        Leland Grove, IL1,23740236276
        Sherman, IL4,4700369369
        Rochester, IL3,778183366549
        Auburn, IL4,70190560650
        Williamsville, IL1,468102598700
        Chatham, IL13,23149735784
        Springfield, IL115,0757704,2445,015

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        West Jordan, UT115,1813332,1552,488
        Westminster, CO114,8323314,4684,800
        The Woodlands, TX114,5321991,0581,257
        Carlsbad, CA114,4112091,7721,980
        College Station, TX115,8022041,9262,130
        Springfield, IL115,0757704,2445,015
        Source: The Springfield, IL crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.