| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Riverdale/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 357 | n/a (estimate) | 3,567 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 7 | n/a | 69.9 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 79.9 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 13 | n/a | 129.9 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 43 | n/a | 429.6 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 71 | n/a (estimate) | 709 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 48 | n/a | 479.6 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 147 | n/a | 1,468.7 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 91 | n/a | 909.2 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 286 | n/a (estimate) | 2,857 | 1,715 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Riverdale is 68.3% higher 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 Riverdale, there were 71 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 709 per 100,000 individuals, 97.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 286 property crimes, amounting to 2857 per 100,000 residents, 62.3% higher than the U.S. average.
With a violent crime rate of 709 crimes per 100,000 residents, Riverdale is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Riverdale ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 141 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Riverdale stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Riverdale, there were a total of 7 murders, translating to 70 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Riverdale has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Riverdale reported 91 vehicle thefts, which equates to 909 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Riverdale is 1 in 110.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Riverdale residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 25 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 12% of Riverdale residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 88% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Riverdale 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, Riverdale has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 68%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.98 daily incidents, encompassing 0.19 violent crimes and 0.78 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Riverdale 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 Riverdale 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 Riverdale has decreased by 23.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 37.7% and property crime has decreased by 19.2%.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Riverdale crime rate. The poverty level in Riverdale is 28%, while the national average is 15.1%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Riverdale crime rates. For instance, in Riverdale, the population density stands at 3601.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Riverdale, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.01 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Riverdale | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 41 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.0 | 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 |
| St. John, IN | 18,872 | 24 | 129 | 153 |
| Western Springs, IL | 13,775 | 8 | 273 | 280 |
| Indian Head Park, IL | 3,873 | 0 | 312 | 312 |
| Dyer, IN | 16,417 | 12 | 344 | 356 |
| Willow Springs, IL | 5,786 | 0 | 390 | 390 |
| Palos Hills, IL | 17,664 | 68 | 411 | 479 |
| Oak Forest, IL | 28,144 | 89 | 438 | 527 |
| Riverdale, IL | 12,878 | 709 | 2,857 | 3,567 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Gulf Shores, AL | 12,877 | 287 | 1,792 | 2,079 |
| Washington, IN | 12,882 | 268 | 473 | 742 |
| Grand Terrace, CA | 12,885 | 264 | 1,725 | 1,989 |
| West Monroe, LA | 12,888 | 1,156 | 5,886 | 7,042 |
| Artesia, NM | 12,890 | 494 | 2,156 | 2,650 |
| Riverdale, IL | 12,878 | 709 | 2,857 | 3,567 |