| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ottawa/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 315 | n/a (estimate) | 1,683 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 64.1 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 5.3 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 22 | n/a | 117.5 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 35 | n/a (estimate) | 187 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 54 | n/a | 288.4 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 209 | n/a | 1,116.3 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 17 | n/a | 90.8 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 280 | n/a (estimate) | 1,496 | 1,715 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Ottawa crime rate is 20.6% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Ottawa, there were 35 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 187 per 100,000 individuals, 47.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, Ottawa recorded 280 property crimes, amounting to 1496 per 100,000 residents, 15% lower than the U.S. average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Ottawa 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.
What do the local residents think about crime in Ottawa? Well, based on a recent survey of 9 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 56% of Ottawa 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.
Is Ottawa a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Ottawa has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 21%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.86 daily incidents, encompassing 0.1 violent crimes and 0.77 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Ottawa as a potential place to call home.
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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa has increased by 5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 29.6% and property crime has increased by 2.6%.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Ottawa crime rates. Ottawa registers a population density of 1520.4 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Ottawa has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.41 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 cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Ottawa has a median home price of $220,742, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within 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 | Ottawa | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 45 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| Tonica, IL | 801 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Grand Ridge, IL | 670 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| LaSalle, IL | 9,282 | 53 | 149 | 202 |
| Oglesby, IL | 3,764 | 111 | 166 | 276 |
| Marseilles, IL | 4,712 | 189 | 294 | 483 |
| Mendota, IL | 7,151 | 131 | 377 | 508 |
| North Utica, IL | 1,164 | 0 | 598 | 598 |
| Ottawa, IL | 19,177 | 187 | 1,496 | 1,683 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Winthrop Town, MA | 19,172 | 158 | 523 | 681 |
| Creve Coeur, MO | 19,159 | 164 | 1,718 | 1,881 |
| Altus, OK | 19,157 | 290 | 1,445 | 1,735 |
| Brushy Creek, TX | 19,202 | 159 | 832 | 991 |
| Twinsburg, OH | 19,149 | 56 | 554 | 610 |
| Ottawa, IL | 19,177 | 187 | 1,496 | 1,683 |
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