| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Galesburg/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,004 | n/a (estimate) | 3,478 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 6.9 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 42 | n/a | 145.5 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 20.8 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 98 | n/a | 339.5 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 148 | n/a (estimate) | 513 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 209 | n/a | 724.1 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 597 | n/a | 2,068.3 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 50 | n/a | 173.2 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 856 | n/a (estimate) | 2,966 | 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 Galesburg crime rate is higher than the national average by 64.1%. Specifically, there were 148 violent crimes in Galesburg, equivalent to 513 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 42.8%. Furthermore, Galesburg recorded 856 property crimes, amounting to 2966 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 68.5%.
AreaVibes surveyed 28 local residents in Galesburg to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 25% of people answered that there was very little crime in Galesburg and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 75% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Galesburg 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. Galesburg has a total crime rate that is 64% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.75 daily crimes (0.41 violent daily crimes and 2.35 daily property crimes) in Galesburg.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Galesburg. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Galesburg has decreased by 27.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 7.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 31.5%. 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.
Galesburg has a poverty rate that stands at 19.8, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Galesburg crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Galesburg currently has an unemployment rate of 2.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
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. Galesburg has a median home price of $139,200, 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.
| Item | Galesburg | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 82 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Knoxville, IL | 3,234 | 72 | 573 | 645 |
| Oak Run, IL | 487 | 117 | 693 | 810 |
| Abingdon, IL | 3,673 | 203 | 1,202 | 1,405 |
| Monmouth, IL | 9,066 | 366 | 1,371 | 1,738 |
| East Galesburg, IL | 603 | 324 | 1,925 | 2,250 |
| North Henderson, IL | 245 | 358 | 2,127 | 2,486 |
| Gilson, IL | 201 | 377 | 2,234 | 2,611 |
| Galesburg, IL | 31,538 | 513 | 2,966 | 3,478 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Granger, IN | 31,533 | 135 | 596 | 731 |
| Garner, NC | 31,549 | 357 | 4,507 | 4,864 |
| Fleming Island, FL | 31,515 | 115 | 613 | 729 |
| Holladay, UT | 31,564 | 99 | 609 | 708 |
| Gurnee, IL | 31,504 | 166 | 2,244 | 2,410 |
| Galesburg, IL | 31,538 | 513 | 2,966 | 3,478 |