| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Carbondale/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,008 | n/a (estimate) | 4,690 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 9.3 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 51 | n/a | 237.3 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 24 | n/a | 111.7 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 139 | n/a | 646.7 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 216 | n/a (estimate) | 1,005 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 235 | n/a | 1,093.3 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 482 | n/a | 2,242.5 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 75 | n/a | 348.9 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 792 | n/a (estimate) | 3,685 | 1,715 | 1,760 |

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 Carbondale is 121.3% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 216 violent crimes reported in Carbondale, equivalent to 1005 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 179.9%. Additionally, Carbondale recorded 792 property crimes, amounting to 3685 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 109.4%.
Carbondale has a crime rate of 4690 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 121.29%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Carbondale. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
Carbondale ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1005 per 100,000 people, Carbondale is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 100 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Carbondale, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Every year, one in 28 people fall victim to a property crime in Carbondale - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3685 per 100,000 people, Carbondale has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Carbondale residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 76 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 34% of Carbondale 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, 66% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Carbondale is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Carbondale has an overall crime rate that is 121% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.76 daily occurrences, comprising 0.59 violent crimes and 2.17 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Carbondale as a potential place to establish residency.
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 Carbondale 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 Carbondale has decreased by 11.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 3.9% and property crime has decreased by 15%.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Carbondale currently has an unemployment rate of 6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Carbondale, the cost of living is 13.66% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Carbondale, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.23 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.
| Item | Carbondale | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 84 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 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 |
| Goreville, IL | 1,150 | 0 | 94 | 94 |
| Crainville, IL | 1,425 | 106 | 628 | 734 |
| Energy, IL | 1,242 | 127 | 753 | 880 |
| Royalton, IL | 1,140 | 141 | 837 | 978 |
| De Soto, IL | 1,691 | 143 | 846 | 988 |
| Cobden, IL | 1,044 | 143 | 848 | 990 |
| Cambria, IL | 1,100 | 143 | 850 | 994 |
| Carbondale, IL | 26,321 | 1,005 | 3,685 | 4,690 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sebastian, FL | 26,323 | 153 | 900 | 1,053 |
| Holbrook, NY | 26,325 | 269 | 1,220 | 1,489 |
| Cliffside Park, NJ | 26,315 | 126 | 644 | 770 |
| South Pasadena, CA | 26,308 | 210 | 2,513 | 2,723 |
| Ruskin, FL | 26,287 | 279 | 1,485 | 1,764 |
| Carbondale, IL | 26,321 | 1,005 | 3,685 | 4,690 |