Alton, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Alton, IL

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Alton crime rate is 73.4% higher 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 Alton, there were 229 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 908 per 100,000 individuals, 145.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Alton recorded 787 property crimes, amounting to 3122 per 100,000 residents, 59.7% higher than the U.S. average.

With a total of 4030 crimes per 100,000 people, the Alton crime rates stand at 73.39 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 Alton, 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.

With a violent crime rate of 908 crimes per 100,000 residents, Alton is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Alton ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 111 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Alton has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Alton reported 156 vehicle thefts, which equates to 619 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Alton is 1 in 162.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Alton?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Alton residents. Out of the respondents (29 in total), 52% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Alton were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 48% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Alton a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Alton 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. Alton has a total crime rate that is 73% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.78 daily crimes (0.63 violent daily crimes and 2.16 daily property crimes) in Alton.

Has Crime in Alton Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Alton. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Alton has increased by 6.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 59%, while property crimes have increased by 3.1%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Alton

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Alton, 82.7% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Alton, the cost of living is 20.43% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In Alton, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.2 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

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