A+
57%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
62%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
56%
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 peopleElwood/100k peopleIllinois/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime20n/a (estimate)9132,0042,119
Murder0n/a0.05.85.0
Rape1n/a45.646.937.5
Robbery0n/a0.090.260.6
Assault2n/a91.3146.3256.1
Violent crime3n/a (estimate)137289359
Burglary3n/a136.9290.5229.2
Theft14n/a639.01,134.41,272.1
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0290.4258.8
Property crime17n/a (estimate)7761,7151,760

Elwood crime map

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The Elwood crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Elwood 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 Elwood crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Elwood 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.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Elwood, IL

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Elwood crime rate is 56.9% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Elwood, there were 3 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 137 per 100,000 individuals, 61.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, Elwood recorded 17 property crimes, amounting to 776 per 100,000 residents, 55.9% lower than the U.S. average.

In the latest reported crime year, Elwood recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

The United States grapples with some of the world's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by reports of stolen vehicles. In the most recent crime report, Elwood emerged as one such city, recording zero reported vehicle thefts, affirming its status as a secure and vigilant community.

Is Elwood a Safe Place to Live?

Is Elwood a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Elwood has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 57%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.05 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.05 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Elwood as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Elwood Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Elwood has decreased by 4.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Elwood, 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 40%, while property crime has decreased by 6.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Elwood is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Elwood

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Elwood crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Elwood has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.

In Elwood, 89.6% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Elwood has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 4.36 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

Compare Elwood, IL Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Elwood crime rates are 57% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Elwood are 62% lower than the national average
      • In Elwood you have a 1 in 110 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Elwood is safer than 63% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Elwood has decreased by 36%

      Elwood, IL Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Elwood (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Elwood (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Elwood

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Elwood is 1 in 731
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Elwood is 1 in 129
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Elwood is 1 in 110

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

        Elwood police department

        Item Elwood Illinois National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1030,690558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents4.42.63.3
        There are a total of 10 Elwood police officers. This results in 4.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 64.7% greater than the Illinois average and 34.1% greater 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
        Diamond, IL2,84503737
        Rockdale, IL2,4872040204
        Manhattan, IL8,41537192229
        Homer Glen, IL25,24216277293
        Godley, IL7170308308
        Minooka, IL11,3788333341
        Braidwood, IL6,54565389454
        Elwood, IL2,603137776913

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Seneca, IL2,603109648757
        Waretown, NJ2,60283545628
        Holly Lake Ranch, TX2,60281425506
        Nicoma Park, OK2,6023071,3591,666
        Dennison, OH2,604150791940
        Elwood, IL2,603137776913
        Source: The Elwood, 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.