| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Chatham/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 87 | n/a (estimate) | 597 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 20.6 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 82.4 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 15 | n/a (estimate) | 103 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 13 | n/a | 89.3 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 57 | n/a | 391.4 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 13.7 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 72 | n/a (estimate) | 494 | 1,715 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Chatham is 71.8% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Chatham, there were 15 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 103 per 100,000 individuals, 71.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 72 property crimes, amounting to 494 per 100,000 residents, 71.9% lower than the U.S. average.
Boasting a crime rate of 597, well below the national average of 2119, Chatham emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Chatham to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
Chatham distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 103 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Chatham among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Chatham 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.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1760 property crimes. In Chatham, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 494, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
What do the local residents think about crime in Chatham? Well, based on a recent survey of 8 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 75% of Chatham residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 25% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Chatham 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. Chatham has a total crime rate that is 72% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.24 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.2 daily property crimes) in Chatham.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Chatham. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Chatham has decreased by 9.4%. Violent crimes have increased by 150%, while property crimes have decreased by 20%. 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.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Chatham, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Chatham, 95.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Chatham, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.81, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Chatham | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 21 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Pawnee, IL | 2,583 | 0 | 111 | 111 |
| Pleasant Plains, IL | 732 | 0 | 249 | 249 |
| Leland Grove, IL | 1,274 | 41 | 241 | 281 |
| Rochester, IL | 3,914 | 77 | 537 | 613 |
| Divernon, IL | 1,229 | 0 | 633 | 633 |
| Auburn, IL | 4,846 | 227 | 499 | 725 |
| New Berlin, IL | 1,376 | 112 | 664 | 776 |
| Chatham, IL | 13,697 | 103 | 494 | 597 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Miami, OK | 13,700 | 514 | 2,867 | 3,381 |
| New Ulm, MN | 13,686 | 72 | 1,017 | 1,090 |
| Richmond Hill, GA | 13,710 | 115 | 1,118 | 1,234 |
| Baker, LA | 13,684 | 402 | 1,743 | 2,145 |
| Lahaina, HI | 13,680 | 174 | 1,558 | 1,732 |
| Chatham, IL | 13,697 | 103 | 494 | 597 |