| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Oak Forest/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 136 | n/a (estimate) | 527 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 7.7 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 23.2 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 15 | n/a | 58.1 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 23 | n/a (estimate) | 89 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 33 | n/a | 127.8 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 70 | n/a | 271.1 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 10 | n/a | 38.7 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 113 | n/a (estimate) | 438 | 1,715 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Oak Forest is 75.2% lower 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 Oak Forest, there were 23 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 89 per 100,000 individuals, 75.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 113 property crimes, amounting to 438 per 100,000 residents, 75.1% lower than the U.S. average.
Boasting a crime rate of 527, well below the national average of 2119, Oak Forest emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Oak Forest to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
With only 89 incidents per 100,000 people, Oak Forest boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Oak Forest has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In the latest reported crime year, Oak Forest recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
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, Oak Forest maintains a property crime rate of 438 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Oak Forest as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
What do the local residents think about crime in Oak Forest? Well, based on a recent survey of 16 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 56% of Oak Forest residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 44% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Oak 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. Oak Forest has a total crime rate that is 75% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.37 daily crimes (0.06 violent daily crimes and 0.31 daily property crimes) in Oak Forest.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Oak Forest has decreased by 59.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Oak Forest, 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 decreased by 54.9%, while property crime has decreased by 60.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Oak Forest is a safe place to live.
Oak Forest has a population density of 4692.7 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Oak Forest crime rates.
Oak Forest has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.89 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.
In Oak Forest, the average rental rates are $1,654 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
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 | Oak Forest | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 53 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| St. John, IN | 18,872 | 24 | 129 | 153 |
| Manhattan, IL | 8,415 | 37 | 192 | 229 |
| Western Springs, IL | 13,775 | 8 | 273 | 280 |
| Homer Glen, IL | 25,242 | 16 | 277 | 293 |
| Indian Head Park, IL | 3,873 | 0 | 312 | 312 |
| Dyer, IN | 16,417 | 12 | 344 | 356 |
| Willow Springs, IL | 5,786 | 0 | 390 | 390 |
| Oak Forest, IL | 28,144 | 89 | 438 | 527 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Millville, NJ | 28,134 | 454 | 3,906 | 4,360 |
| Bergenfield, NJ | 28,186 | 48 | 232 | 280 |
| Gladstone, MO | 28,101 | 376 | 1,697 | 2,073 |
| Horn Lake, MS | 28,196 | 110 | 1,399 | 1,509 |
| Erie, CO | 28,201 | 30 | 896 | 926 |
| Oak Forest, IL | 28,144 | 89 | 438 | 527 |
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