A+
85%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
88%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
85%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleChester/100k peopleIllinois/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime21n/a (estimate)3132,0042,119
Murder0n/a0.05.85.0
Rape1n/a14.946.937.5
Robbery0n/a0.090.260.6
Assault2n/a29.8146.3256.1
Violent crime3n/a (estimate)45289359
Burglary5n/a74.6290.5229.2
Theft12n/a178.91,134.41,272.1
Vehicle theft1n/a14.9290.4258.8
Property crime18n/a (estimate)2681,7151,760

Chester crime map

Get this widget

The Chester crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Chester as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Chester crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Chester crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
Get Crime Data Within A 1-Mile Radius! Local Insights Report
  • View detailed crime data near your address
  • Use local crime insights to avoid risky areas
  • Get hyperlocal crime stats, not city averages
* Crime data not available for every address.
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Crime Rates in Chester, IL

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.

Is Chester a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Chester Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Chester

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.

Compare Chester, IL Crime

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Chester crime rates are 85% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Chester are 88% lower than the national average
      • In Chester you have a 1 in 320 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Chester is safer than 88% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Chester has decreased by 39%

      Chester, IL Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Chester

        See all the best places to live around Chester
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Chester?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Chester?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Chester poll results

        Daily Crime In Chester (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Chester for every 100,000 residents. The Chester total amount of daily crime is 6.40 times less than the Illinois average and 6.77 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Chester, is 6.46 times less than the Illinois average, and it is 8.03 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Chester has a daily crime average that is 6.39 times less than the Illinois average and 6.56 times less than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Chester (higher is better)

        Compared to the other cities in Illinois and all other cities across the US, is Chester safe? From the gauges displayed above, you will notice that Chester is safer than 79% of other cities in the state of Illinois. In addition, Chester is safer than 88% of cities in the entire United States. To achieve these results, all Illinois and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than Chester. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that Chester is above average in safety when compared with other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Chester

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Chester is 1 in 2236
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Chester is 1 in 373
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Chester is 1 in 320
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Chester, Illinois you have a 1 in 2236 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 373 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 320 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Chester.

        Year Over Year Crime In Chester (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Chester is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Chester violent crime rates have decreased by 39%. At the same time, property crime has decreased by 40% year over year. Total crimes for Chester has decreased by 39% in the same time frame.

        Chester police department

        Item Chester Illinois National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1130,690558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.32.63.3
        There are a total of 11 Chester police officers. This results in 1.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 51.5% less than the Illinois average and 60.5% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Illinois

        State Total offenders Illinois /100K National /100K
        Illinois32,213263266
        There are a total of 32,213 sex offenders in Illinois. This yields a total of 263 sex offenders in Illinois per 100,000 residents which is 1% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Ellis Grove, IL322000
        Ruma, IL456000
        Ste. Genevieve, MO4,497119455574
        Steeleville, IL1,924121716837
        Percy, IL1,1341508881,037
        Perryville, MO8,7412948951,190
        Sparta, IL4,4471681,4321,600
        Chester, IL8,44845268313

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Geneseo, NY8,4474912,2242,715
        Stevensville, MD8,4472781,3581,636
        Ketchikan, AK8,4463602,0372,398
        Cheviot, OH8,4533172,0702,387
        Mount Joy, PA8,45324407431
        Chester, IL8,44845268313
        Source: The Chester, IL crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.