| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Jacksonville/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 412 | n/a (estimate) | 2,406 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 11.7 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 81.8 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 29.2 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 31 | n/a | 181.1 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 52 | n/a (estimate) | 304 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 79 | n/a | 461.4 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 255 | n/a | 1,489.3 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 26 | n/a | 151.9 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 360 | n/a (estimate) | 2,103 | 1,715 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Jacksonville is 13.6% 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 Jacksonville, there were 52 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 304 per 100,000 individuals, 15.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 360 property crimes, amounting to 2103 per 100,000 residents, 19.5% higher than the U.S. average.
The Jacksonville crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Jacksonville, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Jacksonville ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Jacksonville, there were a total of 2 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
AreaVibes surveyed 7 local residents in Jacksonville to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 57% of people answered that there was very little crime in Jacksonville and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 43% 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.
Is Jacksonville 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, Jacksonville has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 14%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.13 daily incidents, encompassing 0.14 violent crimes and 0.99 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Jacksonville as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Jacksonville has increased by 237.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Jacksonville, 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 73.3%, while property crime has increased by 291.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Jacksonville is a safe place to live.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Jacksonville, the cost of living is 13.3% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Jacksonville has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.47 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.
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 Jacksonville stands at $189,740, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Jacksonville | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 48 | 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 |
| Ashland, IL | 1,319 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| South Jacksonville, IL | 3,235 | 220 | 439 | 659 |
| Winchester, IL | 1,755 | 132 | 784 | 916 |
| Waverly, IL | 1,515 | 139 | 824 | 963 |
| Woodson, IL | 508 | 338 | 2,004 | 2,342 |
| Franklin, IL | 638 | 341 | 2,024 | 2,365 |
| Arenzville, IL | 410 | 361 | 2,142 | 2,503 |
| Jacksonville, IL | 19,218 | 304 | 2,103 | 2,406 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Durant, OK | 19,221 | 269 | 3,108 | 3,376 |
| Seminole, FL | 19,213 | 193 | 1,875 | 2,068 |
| Homewood, IL | 19,234 | 186 | 2,091 | 2,277 |
| Brushy Creek, TX | 19,202 | 159 | 832 | 991 |
| Lake Shore, MD | 19,239 | 295 | 1,440 | 1,735 |
| Jacksonville, IL | 19,218 | 304 | 2,103 | 2,406 |
Here are the best places to live in Illinois
Safest Cities In The US
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Check out the 10 safest cities in Illinois