A
60%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
48%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
62%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSouth Elgin/100k peopleIllinois/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime209n/a (estimate)8562,0042,119
Murder0n/a0.05.85.0
Rape13n/a53.246.937.5
Robbery2n/a8.290.260.6
Assault31n/a126.9146.3256.1
Violent crime46n/a (estimate)188289359
Burglary22n/a90.1290.5229.2
Theft121n/a495.51,134.41,272.1
Vehicle theft20n/a81.9290.4258.8
Property crime163n/a (estimate)6671,7151,760

South Elgin crime map

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The South Elgin crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in South Elgin as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The South Elgin crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the South Elgin crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in South Elgin, IL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in South Elgin is 59.6% lower 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 South Elgin, there were 46 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 188 per 100,000 individuals, 47.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 163 property crimes, amounting to 667 per 100,000 residents, 62.1% lower than the U.S. average.

South Elgin showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, South Elgin has a property crime rate of 667 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that South Elgin is a safe place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in South Elgin?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of South Elgin residents. Out of the respondents (6 in total), 67% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in South Elgin were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 33% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is South Elgin a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is South Elgin 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 South Elgin crime rate is 60% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.57 crimes per day - 0.13 violent crimes and 0.45 property crimes.

Has Crime in South Elgin Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in South Elgin. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in South Elgin has increased by 74.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 187.5%, while property crimes have increased by 56.7%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in South Elgin

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. South Elgin currently has an unemployment rate of 3.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

In South Elgin, the cost of living is 9.38% higher 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.

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 South Elgin, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.58 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.

Compare South Elgin, IL Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • South Elgin crime rates are 60% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in South Elgin are 48% lower than the national average
      • In South Elgin you have a 1 in 117 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • South Elgin is safer than 56% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in South Elgin has increased by 15%

      South Elgin, IL Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In South Elgin (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in South Elgin on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Illinois and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in South Elgin (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Illinois, are 2.34 times less than the state average and 2.48 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in South Elgin on a daily basis are 1.54 times less than than Illinois average and 1.91 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in South Elgin are 2.57 times less than the daily state average and 2.64 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is South Elgin (higher is better)

        When comparing the safety of South Elgin to every other city in Illinois, as well as the entirety of the United States, is South Elgin safe? The gauges above illustrate that South Elgin is safer than 39% of every city located within Illinois along with 56% of the all the cities located in the United States. The results of these graphs are created after analyzing each of the cities in Illinois and in the United States as a whole. As a result, South Elgin, IL is ranked above average when compared to the rest of the US cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in South Elgin

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in South Elgin is 1 in 531
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in South Elgin is 1 in 150
        The chance of being a victim of crime in South Elgin is 1 in 117
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in South Elgin? In South Elgin, you have a 1 in 531 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 150. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in South Elgin, IL is 1 in 117.

        Year Over Year Crime In South Elgin (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in South Elgin, Illinois (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in South Elgin has increased by 50%, the amount of property crime in South Elgin has increased by 8%, and the total amount of crime in South Elgin has increased by 15% year over year.

        South Elgin police department

        Item South Elgin Illinois National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3530,690558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.62.63.3
        There are a total of 35 South Elgin police officers. This results in 1.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 40.5% less than the Illinois average and 51.5% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Illinois

        State Total offenders Illinois /100K National /100K
        Illinois32,213263266
        There are a total of 32,213 sex offenders in Illinois. This yields a total of 263 sex offenders in Illinois per 100,000 residents which is 1% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Campton Hills, IL11,24394656
        Wayne, IL2,55808989
        Pingree Grove, IL9,0769158167
        Gilberts, IL8,11634213247
        Prestbury, IL2,02541241281
        Lily Lake, IL1,36041241281
        Sleepy Hollow, IL3,3510289289
        South Elgin, IL24,226188667856

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Pelham, AL24,223165728893
        Cudahy, CA24,2336541,4352,089
        Tumwater, WA24,2351962,0782,274
        Monsey, NY24,2362521,1391,391
        Bailey's Crossroads, VA24,2461691,2171,386
        South Elgin, IL24,226188667856
        Source: The South Elgin, IL crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.