A-
22%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
59%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
15%
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 peopleWatseka/100k peopleIllinois/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime83n/a (estimate)1,8091,9702,324
Murder0n/a0.07.86.3
Rape2n/a43.648.140.0
Robbery0n/a0.084.766.1
Assault5n/a109.0146.7268.2
Violent crime7n/a (estimate)153287370
Burglary5n/a109.0208.5269.8
Theft66n/a1,438.81,192.71,401.9
Vehicle theft5n/a109.0281.6282.7
Property crime76n/a (estimate)1,6571,6831,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Watseka, IL

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Watseka crime rate is lower than the national average by 22.2%. Specifically, there were 7 violent crimes in Watseka, equivalent to 153 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 58.7%. Furthermore, Watseka recorded 76 property crimes, amounting to 1657 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 15.2%.

In the most recently reported crime year, Watseka 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.

Is Watseka a Safe Place to Live?

Is Watseka 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, Watseka has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 22%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.23 daily incidents, encompassing 0.02 violent crimes and 0.21 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Watseka as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Watseka Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Watseka. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Watseka has decreased by 46.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 56.3%, while property crime has decreased by 44.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Watseka.

Potential Causes for Crime in Watseka

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 Watseka 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. Watseka has an unemployment rate of 3.2%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Watseka has a population density of 1683.3 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 Watseka crime rates.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Watseka stands at $79,700, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Watseka crime map



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

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Watseka crime rates are 22% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Watseka are 59% lower than the national average
      • In Watseka you have a 1 in 56 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Watseka is safer than 54% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Watseka has decreased by 43%

      Watseka, IL Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Watseka (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Watseka, Illinois is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Watseka are 1.09 times less than the Illinois average and 1.28 times less than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Watseka are 1.88 times less than than Illinois and 2.42 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Watseka are 1.02 times less than than Illinois and 1.18 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Watseka (higher is better)

        How safe is Watseka, Illinois compared to other cities in Illinois and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Watseka is safer than 31% of the cities in Illinois and 54% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Illinois and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Watseka. Overall, Watseka is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Watseka

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Watseka is 1 in 656
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Watseka is 1 in 61
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Watseka is 1 in 56
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Watseka? In Watseka, IL you have a 1 in 656 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 61 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 56 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Watseka.

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

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Watseka is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Watseka has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 54% in Watseka, while property crimes in Watseka have decreased by 42%. Total crime has decreased by 44% year over year.

        Watseka police department

        Item Watseka Illinois National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)930,690558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.72.63.3
        There are a total of 9 Watseka police officers. This results in 1.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 34.8% less than the Illinois average and 46.9% 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
        Onarga, IL1,134000
        Kentland, IN1,809137690827
        Clifton, IL1,178126740866
        Gilman, IL1,734139818957
        Milford, IL1,2301488681,016
        Sheldon, IL1,1981569141,070
        Morocco, IN1,0973831,9352,318
        Watseka, IL4,9561531,6571,809

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Keyser, WV4,9562721,2041,476
        West Sayville, NY4,9562148581,072
        Barling, AR4,9574901,2061,696
        Needles, CA4,9591,8652,3364,201
        Perry, OK4,9592871,8732,160
        Watseka, IL4,9561531,6571,809
        Source: The Watseka, 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.