| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Marengo/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 54 | n/a (estimate) | 708 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 13.1 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 9 | n/a | 118.0 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 131 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 8 | n/a | 104.9 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 35 | n/a | 459.0 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 13.1 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 44 | n/a (estimate) | 577 | 1,715 | 1,760 |

The Marengo crime rates are 66.6% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 10 violent crimes in Marengo (131 per 100,000 people), which is 63.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 44 property crimes (577 per 100,000 residents) which is 67.2% lower than average.
Marengo has a crime rate of 708, which is considerably less than the national average of 2119. This results in Marengo 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.
In the most recently reported crime year, Marengo registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
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, Marengo maintains a property crime rate of 577 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Marengo as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
To determine if Marengo 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. Marengo has a total crime rate that is 67% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.15 daily crimes (0.03 violent daily crimes and 0.12 daily property crimes) in Marengo.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Marengo. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Marengo has decreased by 5.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 233.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 18.5%. 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.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Marengo, 84.5% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Marengo, the cost of living is 5.05% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
Marengo has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 0 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.
| Item | Marengo | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 22 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Bull Valley, IL | 1,432 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Pingree Grove, IL | 9,076 | 9 | 158 | 167 |
| Gilberts, IL | 8,116 | 34 | 213 | 247 |
| Lakewood, IL | 4,146 | 47 | 234 | 281 |
| Timberlane, IL | 1,195 | 41 | 241 | 281 |
| Sleepy Hollow, IL | 3,351 | 0 | 289 | 289 |
| Hampshire, IL | 6,080 | 36 | 352 | 388 |
| Marengo, IL | 8,096 | 131 | 577 | 708 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| McGregor, FL | 8,095 | 94 | 498 | 592 |
| Grand Blanc, MI | 8,098 | 165 | 736 | 901 |
| Marion, NC | 8,099 | 242 | 3,201 | 3,443 |
| Floresville, TX | 8,092 | 150 | 1,415 | 1,565 |
| Gold River, CA | 8,100 | 171 | 729 | 900 |
| Marengo, IL | 8,096 | 131 | 577 | 708 |