| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Centralia/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 381 | n/a (estimate) | 3,243 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 59.6 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 42.6 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 66 | n/a | 561.8 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 78 | n/a (estimate) | 664 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 97 | n/a | 825.7 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 173 | n/a | 1,472.6 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 33 | n/a | 280.9 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 303 | n/a (estimate) | 2,579 | 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 Centralia is 53% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 78 violent crimes reported in Centralia, equivalent to 664 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 84.9%. Additionally, Centralia recorded 303 property crimes, amounting to 2579 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 46.5%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Centralia experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
AreaVibes surveyed 22 local residents in Centralia to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 5% of people answered that there was very little crime in Centralia and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 95% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Centralia a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Centralia crime rate is 53% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.04 crimes per day - 0.21 violent crimes and 0.83 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in Centralia has decreased by 49.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Centralia 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 decreased by 56.9%, while property crime has decreased by 46.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Centralia.
In Centralia, 82.5% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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.
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 Centralia is $134,932, compared to a national average of $326,622.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Centralia, the average monthly rent stands at $910, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

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| Item | Centralia | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 34 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Sandoval, IL | 1,142 | 145 | 862 | 1,007 |
| Central City, IL | 1,385 | 153 | 907 | 1,060 |
| Carlyle, IL | 3,701 | 126 | 975 | 1,101 |
| Nashville, IL | 3,141 | 161 | 954 | 1,114 |
| Wamac, IL | 1,271 | 162 | 959 | 1,120 |
| Mount Vernon, IL | 15,250 | 247 | 1,089 | 1,336 |
| Salem, IL | 7,259 | 386 | 1,145 | 1,531 |
| Centralia, IL | 12,756 | 664 | 2,579 | 3,243 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fairfax Station, VA | 12,757 | 83 | 598 | 681 |
| Markham, IL | 12,759 | 392 | 2,328 | 2,721 |
| Lakeland Village, CA | 12,752 | 574 | 2,454 | 3,028 |
| Grenada, MS | 12,751 | 198 | 1,288 | 1,486 |
| Goldenrod, FL | 12,742 | 191 | 1,014 | 1,205 |
| Centralia, IL | 12,756 | 664 | 2,579 | 3,243 |