| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Murphysboro/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 240 | n/a (estimate) | 3,466 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 14.4 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 43.3 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 57.8 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 15 | n/a | 216.6 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 23 | n/a (estimate) | 332 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 64 | n/a | 924.3 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 142 | n/a | 2,050.8 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 11 | n/a | 158.9 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 217 | n/a (estimate) | 3,134 | 1,715 | 1,760 |

The Murphysboro crime rates are 63.6% higher 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 23 violent crimes in Murphysboro (332 per 100,000 people), which is 7.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 217 property crimes (3134 per 100,000 residents) which is 78.1% higher than average.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Murphysboro has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 332 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Murphysboro ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Murphysboro, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 14 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 17 local residents in Murphysboro to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 24% of people answered that there was very little crime in Murphysboro and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 76% 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.
Determining whether Murphysboro is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Murphysboro has an overall crime rate that is 64% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.66 daily occurrences, comprising 0.06 violent crimes and 0.59 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Murphysboro as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Murphysboro crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Murphysboro has increased by 42% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 57.4% and property crime has increased by 88.7%.
Murphysboro reports an unemployment rate of 5.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Murphysboro crime rates.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Murphysboro, the cost of living is 20.58% lower than the national average.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Murphysboro, the average rental rates are $956 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Murphysboro | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 21 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Crainville, IL | 1,425 | 106 | 628 | 734 |
| Royalton, IL | 1,140 | 141 | 837 | 978 |
| De Soto, IL | 1,691 | 143 | 846 | 988 |
| Cambria, IL | 1,100 | 143 | 850 | 994 |
| Makanda, IL | 554 | 223 | 1,321 | 1,543 |
| Carterville, IL | 6,046 | 246 | 1,458 | 1,703 |
| Campbell Hill, IL | 300 | 398 | 2,361 | 2,759 |
| Murphysboro, IL | 7,983 | 332 | 3,134 | 3,466 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Union, SC | 7,981 | 975 | 6,555 | 7,530 |
| Joshua Tree, CA | 7,980 | 608 | 2,601 | 3,209 |
| Pomona, NJ | 7,980 | 245 | 1,604 | 1,849 |
| Odessa, FL | 7,980 | 94 | 498 | 592 |
| Wynne, AR | 7,975 | 1,023 | 3,447 | 4,470 |
| Murphysboro, IL | 7,983 | 332 | 3,134 | 3,466 |