C
19%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
6%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
21%
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 peopleSterling/100k peopleIllinois/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime277n/a (estimate)1,8871,9702,324
Murder0n/a0.07.86.3
Rape25n/a170.348.140.0
Robbery3n/a20.484.766.1
Assault23n/a156.7146.7268.2
Violent crime51n/a (estimate)347287370
Burglary25n/a170.3208.5269.8
Theft182n/a1,239.71,192.71,401.9
Vehicle theft19n/a129.4281.6282.7
Property crime226n/a (estimate)1,5391,6831,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Sterling, IL

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Sterling crime rate is 18.8% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Sterling, there were 51 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 347 per 100,000 individuals, 6.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, Sterling recorded 226 property crimes, amounting to 1539 per 100,000 residents, 21.2% lower than the U.S. average.

The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Sterling is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Sterling reported 347 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 370.

In the most recently reported crime year, Sterling 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 Sterling?

What do the local residents think about crime in Sterling? Well, based on a recent survey of 11 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 18% of Sterling residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 82% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Sterling a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Sterling is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Sterling has a total crime rate that is 19% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.76 daily crimes (0.14 violent daily crimes and 0.62 daily property crimes) in Sterling.

Has Crime in Sterling Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Sterling has decreased by 46.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Sterling is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 96.2%, while property crime has decreased by 54%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Sterling.

Potential Causes for Crime in Sterling

Sterling has a poverty rate of 11.4, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Sterling crime rates. The population density in Sterling is 2484.8 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In Sterling, 80.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.

Sterling crime map



The Sterling crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Sterling 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 Sterling crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Sterling 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

  • Sterling crime rates are 19% lower than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Sterling are 6% lower than the national average
  • In Sterling you have a 1 in 54 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Sterling is safer than 34% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Sterling has decreased by 47%

Sterling, IL Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Sterling (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Sterling, Illinois is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Sterling are 1.04 times less than the Illinois average and 1.23 times less than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Sterling are 1.21 times more than than Illinois and 1.06 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Sterling are 1.09 times less than than Illinois and 1.27 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Sterling (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Sterling in comparison to other Illinois communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Sterling safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Sterling being safer than 17% of cities in Illinois and 34% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Illinois cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Sterling. In conclusion, Sterling ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Sterling

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Sterling is 1 in 288
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Sterling is 1 in 65
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Sterling is 1 in 54
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Sterling? In Sterling, you have a 1 in 288 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 65. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Sterling, IL is 1 in 54.

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

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Sterling, IL is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Sterling has increased by 94%, while the property crime rate in Sterling has decreased by 55% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Sterling has decreased by 47% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Sterling police department

        Item Sterling Illinois National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3930,690558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.52.63.3
        There are a total of 39 Sterling police officers. This results in 2.5 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 4.5% less than the Illinois average and 22.2% 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
        Prophetstown, IL1,9650104104
        Polo, IL2,21089178267
        Milledgeville, IL9870462462
        Dixon, IL15,544117585701
        Morrison, IL3,850323472795
        Grand Detour, IL3512501,4651,714
        Como, IL5253532,0722,425
        Sterling, IL14,7743471,5391,887

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Gloversville, NY14,7716922,7763,468
        Grovetown, GA14,777134688822
        Mount Vernon, IL14,7693932,3032,695
        El Sobrante, CA14,7794782,2422,720
        South Farmingdale, NY14,7663311,3301,661
        Sterling, IL14,7743471,5391,887
        Source: The Sterling, 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.