| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ottawa/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 168 | n/a (estimate) | 899 | 1,970 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 58.8 | 48.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 21.4 | 84.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 18 | n/a | 96.3 | 146.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 33 | n/a (estimate) | 177 | 287 | 370 |
| Burglary | 20 | n/a | 107.0 | 208.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 104 | n/a | 556.3 | 1,192.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 11 | n/a | 58.8 | 281.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 135 | n/a (estimate) | 722 | 1,683 | 1,954 |
The Ottawa crime rates are 61.3% lower 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 33 violent crimes in Ottawa (177 per 100,000 people), which is 52.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 135 property crimes (722 per 100,000 residents) which is 63.1% lower than average.
In the latest reported crime year, Ottawa 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.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Ottawa residents. Out of the respondents (9 in total), 56% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Ottawa were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 44% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Ottawa a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Ottawa crime rate is 61% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.46 crimes per day - 0.09 violent crimes and 0.37 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Ottawa. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Ottawa has decreased by 44%. Violent crimes have increased by 22.2%, while property crimes have decreased by 50.6%. 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.
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 1278.7 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Ottawa, the cost of living is 10.47% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
In Ottawa, the average rental rates are $822 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.
| 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 |
| Grand Ridge, IL | 650 | 0 | 196 | 196 |
| LaSalle, IL | 9,086 | 63 | 159 | 222 |
| Oglesby, IL | 3,652 | 55 | 247 | 302 |
| Marseilles, IL | 4,579 | 188 | 376 | 564 |
| Newark, IL | 1,325 | 99 | 581 | 680 |
| North Utica, IL | 1,136 | 111 | 649 | 760 |
| Seneca, IL | 2,534 | 129 | 754 | 883 |
| Ottawa, IL | 18,742 | 177 | 722 | 899 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Twinsburg, OH | 18,754 | 77 | 655 | 732 |
| Hawthorne, NJ | 18,762 | 21 | 814 | 835 |
| Woodcrest, CA | 18,719 | 533 | 2,496 | 3,028 |
| Berea, OH | 18,713 | 37 | 502 | 539 |
| Seminole, FL | 18,772 | 228 | 1,381 | 1,609 |
| Ottawa, IL | 18,742 | 177 | 722 | 899 |
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