A+
70%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
94%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
64%
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 peopleLake Forest/100k peopleIllinois/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime125n/a (estimate)6462,0042,119
Murder0n/a0.05.85.0
Rape1n/a5.246.937.5
Robbery0n/a0.090.260.6
Assault3n/a15.5146.3256.1
Violent crime4n/a (estimate)21289359
Burglary40n/a206.6290.5229.2
Theft70n/a361.61,134.41,272.1
Vehicle theft11n/a56.8290.4258.8
Property crime121n/a (estimate)6251,7151,760

Lake Forest crime map

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

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Lake Forest crime rate is 69.5% 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 Lake Forest, there were 4 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 21 per 100,000 individuals, 94.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, Lake Forest recorded 121 property crimes, amounting to 625 per 100,000 residents, 64.5% lower than the U.S. average.

Lake Forest has a crime rate of 646, which is considerably less than the national average of 2119. This results in Lake Forest being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

Lake Forest stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 21 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Lake Forest secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Lake Forest reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Lake Forest maintains a property crime rate of 625 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Lake Forest as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lake Forest?

What do the local residents think about crime in Lake Forest? Well, based on a recent survey of 13 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 85% of Lake Forest residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 15% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Lake Forest a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Lake Forest 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. Lake Forest has a total crime rate that is 70% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.34 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.33 daily property crimes) in Lake Forest.

Has Crime in Lake Forest Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Lake Forest. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Lake Forest has decreased by 4.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 50%, while property crimes have decreased by 1.6%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lake Forest

Lake Forest has a poverty rate of 2.9, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

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 Lake Forest crime rates. The population density in Lake Forest is 1156.3 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Lake Forest, 97.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

Compare Lake Forest, IL Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Lake Forest crime rates are 70% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Lake Forest are 94% lower than the national average
      • In Lake Forest you have a 1 in 155 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Lake Forest is safer than 86% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Lake Forest has decreased by 9%

      Lake Forest, IL Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Lake Forest

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        How would you rate the amount of crime in Lake Forest?
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        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Lake Forest?
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        See all Lake Forest poll results

        Daily Crime In Lake Forest (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Lake Forest, Illinois is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Lake Forest are 3.10 times less than the Illinois average and 3.28 times less than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Lake Forest are 14.00 times less than than Illinois and 17.38 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Lake Forest are 2.74 times less than than Illinois and 2.82 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Lake Forest (higher is better)

        Is Lake Forest safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Illinois as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Lake Forest to other cities in the state and across the country, Lake Forest is 76% safer than other cities of Illinois and 86% safer than other cities in the nation. Lake Forest has a ranks above average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Lake Forest

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Lake Forest is 1 in 4840
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Lake Forest is 1 in 160
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Lake Forest is 1 in 155
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Lake Forest, Illinois you have a 1 in 4840 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 160 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 155 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Lake Forest.

        Year Over Year Crime In Lake Forest (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Lake Forest, Illinois (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Lake Forest has decreased by 60%, the amount of property crime in Lake Forest has decreased by 5%, and the total amount of crime in Lake Forest has decreased by 9% year over year.

        Lake Forest police department

        Item Lake Forest Illinois National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)5430,690558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.82.63.3
        There are a total of 54 Lake Forest police officers. This results in 2.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 4.8% greater than the Illinois average and 14.6% less 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
        Hawthorn Woods, IL8,4950137137
        Round Lake Park, IL8,0059090181
        Lindenhurst, IL14,63735154188
        Third Lake, IL1,19241241281
        Round Lake Heights, IL3,08378234312
        North Barrington, IL2,88645269314
        Forest Lake, IL1,34146272318
        Lake Forest, IL19,88821625646

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Huntington, NY19,888155702857
        Frankfort, IL19,88633668701
        Orinda, CA19,89157880937
        Plattsburgh, NY19,8925232,3672,889
        Salmon Creek, WA19,9072441,8492,093
        Lake Forest, IL19,88821625646
        Source: The Lake Forest, 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.