| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | East Alton/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 115 | n/a (estimate) | 2,055 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 53.6 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 17.9 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 21 | n/a | 375.3 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 25 | n/a (estimate) | 447 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 17 | n/a | 303.8 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 67 | n/a | 1,197.3 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 107.2 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 90 | n/a (estimate) | 1,608 | 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 East Alton is 3% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 25 violent crimes reported in East Alton, equivalent to 447 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 24.4%. Additionally, East Alton recorded 90 property crimes, amounting to 1608 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 8.6%.
When assessing the total crime rate in East Alton per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within East Alton, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
In the most recently reported crime year, East Alton 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.
East Alton exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1608 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that East Alton maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
What is the prevailing sentiment among East Alton residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 5 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 40% of East Alton 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, 60% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is East Alton 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 East Alton crime rate is 3% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.32 crimes per day - 0.07 violent crimes and 0.25 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in East Alton has decreased by 28.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of East Alton, 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 increased by 4.2%, while property crime has decreased by 34.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not East Alton is a safe place to live.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced East Alton crime rates. East Alton registers a population density of 1156.9 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. East Alton has a median home price of $145,565, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in East Alton are $1,074, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.

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| Item | East Alton | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| Worden, IL | 908 | 0 | 94 | 94 |
| Maryville, IL | 8,220 | 60 | 288 | 348 |
| Pasadena Hills, MO | 1,159 | 84 | 354 | 438 |
| Troy, IL | 10,601 | 9 | 460 | 469 |
| Bel-Nor, MO | 1,553 | 119 | 501 | 621 |
| Edwardsville, IL | 25,839 | 30 | 683 | 713 |
| Mitchell, IL | 1,281 | 116 | 686 | 801 |
| East Alton, IL | 6,165 | 447 | 1,608 | 2,055 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Highland, NY | 6,165 | 319 | 1,442 | 1,760 |
| Shaw Heights, CO | 6,165 | 359 | 1,958 | 2,318 |
| Mulvane, KS | 6,166 | 70 | 628 | 698 |
| Raton, NM | 6,164 | 470 | 1,007 | 1,476 |
| Saranap, CA | 6,163 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| East Alton, IL | 6,165 | 447 | 1,608 | 2,055 |