Oak Park, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Oak Park, IL

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Oak Park is 43.7% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 171 violent crimes reported in Oak Park, equivalent to 328 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 11.3%. Additionally, Oak Park recorded 1571 property crimes, amounting to 3012 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 54.1%.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Oak Park has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 328 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

With a total of 258 vehicle thefts last year, Oak Park has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 495 per 100,000 people. This lands Oak Park in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 203.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Oak Park?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Oak Park residents. Out of the respondents (81 in total), 35% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Oak Park were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 65% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Oak Park a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Oak Park 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, Oak Park has an overall crime rate that is 44% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 4.77 daily occurrences, comprising 0.47 violent crimes and 4.3 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Oak Park as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Oak Park Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Oak Park. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Oak Park has decreased by 0.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 9.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 1.4%. 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 Oak Park

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 Oak Park, 95.1% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

The median home price in Oak Park is $403,200, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

In Oak Park, the average rental rates are $1,213 per month, compared to the national average of $949. 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.

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