| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Forest Park/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 437 | n/a (estimate) | 3,247 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 29.7 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 104.0 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 18 | n/a | 133.7 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 20 | n/a | 148.6 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 56 | n/a (estimate) | 416 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 55 | n/a | 408.6 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 266 | n/a | 1,976.2 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 60 | n/a | 445.8 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 381 | n/a (estimate) | 2,831 | 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 Forest Park crime rate is higher than the national average by 53.2%. Specifically, there were 56 violent crimes in Forest Park, equivalent to 416 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 15.9%. Furthermore, Forest Park recorded 381 property crimes, amounting to 2831 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 60.8%.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Forest Park is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 4 murders in Forest Park, which equates to 30 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Forest Park being a very dangerous place to live.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Forest Park ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 60 vehicle thefts, amounting to 446 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Forest Park within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 225.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Forest Park residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 23 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 52% of Forest Park 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, 48% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Forest Park 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, Forest Park has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 53%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.2 daily incidents, encompassing 0.15 violent crimes and 1.04 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Forest Park as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Forest Park. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Forest Park has decreased by 30.7%. Violent crimes have decreased by 6.7%, while property crimes have decreased by 33.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
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 Forest Park 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. Forest Park has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Forest Park crime rates. The population density in Forest Park is 5870.5 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Forest Park stands at $440,225, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Forest Park | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 54 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.8 | 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 |
| Stone Park, IL | 4,997 | 92 | 138 | 230 |
| Western Springs, IL | 13,775 | 8 | 273 | 280 |
| Indian Head Park, IL | 3,873 | 0 | 312 | 312 |
| Willow Springs, IL | 5,786 | 0 | 390 | 390 |
| Clarendon Hills, IL | 9,104 | 0 | 434 | 434 |
| Palos Hills, IL | 17,664 | 68 | 411 | 479 |
| Lisle, IL | 24,010 | 43 | 455 | 498 |
| Forest Park, IL | 14,099 | 416 | 2,831 | 3,247 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Havre de Grace, MD | 14,096 | 139 | 1,265 | 1,404 |
| Wauconda, IL | 14,103 | 183 | 1,089 | 1,272 |
| Bensville, MD | 14,105 | 275 | 1,342 | 1,616 |
| Chelsea, AL | 14,088 | 137 | 596 | 733 |
| Waimalu, HI | 14,084 | 196 | 1,755 | 1,951 |
| Forest Park, IL | 14,099 | 416 | 2,831 | 3,247 |
Here are the best places to live in Illinois
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Illinois
Check out the 10 safest cities in Illinois