| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Pontiac/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 175 | n/a (estimate) | 1,597 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 109.5 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 14 | n/a | 127.8 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 237 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 109.5 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 132 | n/a | 1,204.6 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 45.6 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 149 | n/a (estimate) | 1,360 | 1,715 | 1,760 |
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 Pontiac is 24.6% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 26 violent crimes reported in Pontiac, equivalent to 237 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 33.9%. Additionally, Pontiac recorded 149 property crimes, amounting to 1360 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 22.8%.
In the latest reported crime year, Pontiac 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.
To determine if Pontiac 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. Pontiac has a total crime rate that is 25% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.48 daily crimes (0.07 violent daily crimes and 0.41 daily property crimes) in Pontiac.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Pontiac. 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 Pontiac has decreased by 0.6%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 7.1%, while property crime has decreased by 0.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Pontiac.
In Pontiac, 76.4% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Pontiac, the cost of living is 9.39% lower than the national average.
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 Pontiac, there are 1.68 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 | Pontiac | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 20 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Fairbury, IL | 3,744 | 84 | 113 | 197 |
| Chenoa, IL | 1,942 | 59 | 535 | 594 |
| Dwight, IL | 3,954 | 50 | 694 | 743 |
| Gridley, IL | 1,430 | 122 | 724 | 846 |
| Flanagan, IL | 973 | 326 | 1,932 | 2,258 |
| Odell, IL | 895 | 349 | 2,072 | 2,421 |
| Forrest, IL | 1,017 | 361 | 2,140 | 2,500 |
| Pontiac, IL | 11,732 | 237 | 1,360 | 1,597 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Gardnerville Ranchos, NV | 11,732 | 201 | 1,097 | 1,297 |
| Mendota Heights, MN | 11,733 | 191 | 878 | 1,069 |
| Piedmont, CA | 11,734 | 67 | 3,402 | 3,469 |
| Upper Montclair, NJ | 11,734 | 83 | 544 | 627 |
| Diamond Springs, CA | 11,740 | 481 | 2,057 | 2,538 |
| Pontiac, IL | 11,732 | 237 | 1,360 | 1,597 |
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