| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wheeling/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 426 | n/a (estimate) | 1,127 | 1,970 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 2.6 | 7.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 25 | n/a | 66.2 | 48.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 13.2 | 84.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 32 | n/a | 84.7 | 146.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 63 | n/a (estimate) | 167 | 287 | 370 |
| Burglary | 38 | n/a | 100.6 | 208.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 303 | n/a | 801.8 | 1,192.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 22 | n/a | 58.2 | 281.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 363 | n/a (estimate) | 961 | 1,683 | 1,954 |
The Wheeling crime rates are 51.5% 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 63 violent crimes in Wheeling (167 per 100,000 people), which is 54.9% lower than the national average and there were a total of 363 property crimes (961 per 100,000 residents) which is 50.9% lower than average.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Wheeling residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 6 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 67% of Wheeling residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 33% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Wheeling, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Wheeling presents a total crime rate that is 52% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Wheeling experiences an average of 1.17 daily crimes, comprising 0.17 violent incidents and 0.99 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling has increased by 7.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 293.8% and property crime has increased by 4.5%.
Wheeling has a population density of 4460.7 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Wheeling crime rates.
In Wheeling, the cost of living is 6.62% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Wheeling is $202,000, compared to a national average of $184,700.
| Item | Wheeling | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 84 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 |
| Golf, IL | 521 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Libertyville, IL | 20,300 | 29 | 201 | 230 |
| Wauconda, IL | 13,629 | 29 | 208 | 237 |
| 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 |
| Wheeling, IL | 38,684 | 167 | 961 | 1,127 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wausau, WI | 38,685 | 389 | 1,281 | 1,670 |
| Mission Bend, TX | 38,693 | 553 | 2,947 | 3,500 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 38,697 | 513 | 5,863 | 6,376 |
| Clovis, NM | 38,701 | 689 | 2,404 | 3,093 |
| Pacifica, CA | 38,663 | 246 | 1,488 | 1,735 |
| Wheeling, IL | 38,684 | 167 | 961 | 1,127 |
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