| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Effingham/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 269 | n/a (estimate) | 2,197 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 65.3 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 16.3 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 17 | n/a | 138.8 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 27 | n/a (estimate) | 220 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 65 | n/a | 530.8 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 164 | n/a | 1,339.2 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 106.2 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 242 | n/a (estimate) | 1,976 | 1,715 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Effingham is 3.7% higher 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 Effingham, there were 27 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 220 per 100,000 individuals, 38.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 242 property crimes, amounting to 1976 per 100,000 residents, 12.3% higher than the U.S. average.
When assessing the total crime rate in Effingham 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 Effingham, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
During the most recently reported crime year, Effingham 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.
In the most recent release, Effingham reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Effingham, there were 1976 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
What do the local residents think about crime in Effingham? Well, based on a recent survey of 15 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 40% of Effingham residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 60% 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 Effingham 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. Effingham has a total crime rate that is 4% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.74 daily crimes (0.07 violent daily crimes and 0.66 daily property crimes) in Effingham.
Year-over-year crime rates in Effingham has decreased by 31.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Effingham 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 60.9%, while property crime has decreased by 25.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Effingham.
Effingham has a population density of 1243.6 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Effingham crime rates.
In Effingham, the cost of living is 13.72% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In Effingham, the average rental rates are $966 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 | Effingham | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 34 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 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 |
| Teutopolis, IL | 1,878 | 98 | 584 | 682 |
| Neoga, IL | 1,633 | 140 | 829 | 969 |
| Altamont, IL | 2,313 | 138 | 1,148 | 1,286 |
| Dieterich, IL | 755 | 321 | 1,904 | 2,224 |
| Sigel, IL | 434 | 338 | 2,005 | 2,343 |
| Stewardson, IL | 725 | 388 | 2,304 | 2,692 |
| Beecher City, IL | 385 | 400 | 2,371 | 2,771 |
| Effingham, IL | 12,644 | 220 | 1,976 | 2,197 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ringwood, NJ | 12,642 | 34 | 181 | 215 |
| Cottonwood, AZ | 12,640 | 223 | 1,168 | 1,391 |
| Lake City, FL | 12,638 | 308 | 1,637 | 1,945 |
| Saddlebrooke, AZ | 12,650 | 161 | 683 | 843 |
| Parker, SC | 12,654 | 566 | 2,548 | 3,114 |
| Effingham, IL | 12,644 | 220 | 1,976 | 2,197 |