| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Oswego/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 222 | n/a (estimate) | 586 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 29.0 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 5.3 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 34 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 33 | n/a | 87.1 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 160 | n/a | 422.2 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 42.2 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 209 | n/a (estimate) | 552 | 1,715 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Oswego is 72.4% 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 Oswego, there were 13 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 34 per 100,000 individuals, 90.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 209 property crimes, amounting to 552 per 100,000 residents, 68.7% lower than the U.S. average.
Oswego proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 586, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2119. This stark contrast firmly positions Oswego as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.
Oswego distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 34 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Oswego among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Oswego 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.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1760 property crimes. In Oswego, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 552, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
What do the local residents think about crime in Oswego? Well, based on a recent survey of 15 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 47% of Oswego residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 53% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Oswego, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Oswego presents a total crime rate that is 72% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Oswego experiences an average of 0.61 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.57 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Oswego. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Oswego has increased by 50%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 45.8%, while property crime has increased by 68.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Oswego.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Oswego currently has an unemployment rate of 1.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Oswego has a population density of 2464.1 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 Oswego crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Oswego, there are 1.88 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
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 | Oswego | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 58 | 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 |
| Rockdale, IL | 2,487 | 204 | 0 | 204 |
| Prestbury, IL | 2,025 | 41 | 241 | 281 |
| Sandwich, IL | 7,547 | 28 | 277 | 305 |
| Sugar Grove, IL | 9,959 | 33 | 326 | 359 |
| Big Rock, IL | 1,298 | 57 | 337 | 394 |
| Winfield, IL | 10,018 | 59 | 345 | 404 |
| Yorkville, IL | 19,794 | 74 | 388 | 461 |
| Oswego, IL | 36,709 | 34 | 552 | 586 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| El Mirage, AZ | 36,729 | 383 | 1,256 | 1,639 |
| Cooper City, FL | 36,683 | 115 | 613 | 729 |
| Panama City, FL | 36,673 | 649 | 2,189 | 2,838 |
| Del Rio, TX | 36,754 | 171 | 1,283 | 1,454 |
| Peachtree City, GA | 36,655 | 22 | 816 | 838 |
| Oswego, IL | 36,709 | 34 | 552 | 586 |
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