| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Prospect Heights/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 113 | n/a (estimate) | 747 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 19.8 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 13.2 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 19 | n/a | 125.6 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 24 | n/a (estimate) | 159 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 19 | n/a | 125.6 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 57 | n/a | 376.9 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 86.0 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 89 | n/a (estimate) | 589 | 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 Prospect Heights is 64.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 24 violent crimes reported in Prospect Heights, equivalent to 159 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 55.8%. Additionally, Prospect Heights recorded 89 property crimes, amounting to 589 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 66.6%.
Boasting a crime rate of 747, well below the national average of 2119, Prospect Heights emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Prospect Heights to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
During the most recently reported crime year, Prospect Heights experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Prospect Heights has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 589 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Prospect Heights remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
What do the local residents think about crime in Prospect Heights? Well, based on a recent survey of 10 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 90% of Prospect Heights residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 10% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Prospect Heights 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, Prospect Heights has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 65%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.31 daily incidents, encompassing 0.07 violent crimes and 0.24 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Prospect Heights as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Prospect Heights has increased by 17.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Prospect Heights, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 41.2%, while property crime has increased by 12.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Prospect Heights is a safe place to live.
In Prospect Heights, the poverty rate currently stands at 10%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Prospect Heights crime rates.
In Prospect Heights, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.47 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Prospect Heights, the average monthly rent stands at $1,739, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Prospect Heights | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 24 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 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 |
| Tower Lakes, IL | 1,320 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hawthorn Woods, IL | 8,495 | 0 | 137 | 137 |
| Stone Park, IL | 4,997 | 92 | 138 | 230 |
| Port Barrington, IL | 1,804 | 41 | 241 | 281 |
| North Barrington, IL | 2,886 | 45 | 269 | 314 |
| Forest Lake, IL | 1,341 | 46 | 272 | 318 |
| Knollwood, IL | 1,738 | 46 | 272 | 318 |
| Prospect Heights, IL | 16,432 | 159 | 589 | 747 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sayville, NY | 16,433 | 155 | 702 | 857 |
| Albemarle, NC | 16,433 | 439 | 2,297 | 2,736 |
| Cherryland, CA | 16,430 | 471 | 2,012 | 2,482 |
| Crawfordsville, IN | 16,427 | 186 | 642 | 828 |
| Walnut Park, CA | 16,426 | 585 | 2,500 | 3,085 |
| Prospect Heights, IL | 16,432 | 159 | 589 | 747 |