| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Chester/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 21 | n/a (estimate) | 313 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 14.9 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 29.8 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 45 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 74.6 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 12 | n/a | 178.9 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 14.9 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 268 | 1,715 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Chester crime rate is lower than the national average by 85.2%. Specifically, there were 3 violent crimes in Chester, equivalent to 45 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 87.5%. Furthermore, Chester recorded 18 property crimes, amounting to 268 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 84.8%.
Chester enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 313, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Chester as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
Chester shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 45 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Chester an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Chester 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.
The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Chester records a property crime rate of 268 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1760. This underscores Chester as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Chester 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 Chester crime rate is 85% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.06 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.05 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Chester has decreased by 34.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Chester, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 70%, while property crime has decreased by 18.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Chester is a safe place to live.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Chester, 57.2% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
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 Chester, the cost of living is 17.64% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Chester, the average rental rates are $936 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Chester | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.3 | 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 |
| Ellis Grove, IL | 322 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ruma, IL | 456 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ste. Genevieve, MO | 4,497 | 119 | 455 | 574 |
| Steeleville, IL | 1,924 | 121 | 716 | 837 |
| Percy, IL | 1,134 | 150 | 888 | 1,037 |
| Perryville, MO | 8,741 | 294 | 895 | 1,190 |
| Sparta, IL | 4,447 | 168 | 1,432 | 1,600 |
| Chester, IL | 8,448 | 45 | 268 | 313 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Geneseo, NY | 8,447 | 491 | 2,224 | 2,715 |
| Stevensville, MD | 8,447 | 278 | 1,358 | 1,636 |
| Ketchikan, AK | 8,446 | 360 | 2,037 | 2,398 |
| Cheviot, OH | 8,453 | 317 | 2,070 | 2,387 |
| Mount Joy, PA | 8,453 | 24 | 407 | 431 |
| Chester, IL | 8,448 | 45 | 268 | 313 |