| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | St. Elmo/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 1,616 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 80.8 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 161.6 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 242 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 16 | n/a | 1,292.4 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 80.8 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 1,373 | 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 St. Elmo is 23.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 3 violent crimes reported in St. Elmo, equivalent to 242 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 32.5%. Additionally, St. Elmo recorded 17 property crimes, amounting to 1373 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 22%.
During the most recently reported crime year, St. Elmo 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.
Is St. Elmo 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, St. Elmo has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 24%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.05 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.05 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of St. Elmo 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 St. Elmo 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 St. Elmo has didn't change by 0% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 200% and property crime has didn't change by 10.5%.
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 St. Elmo crime rate. The poverty level in St. Elmo is 22.1%, while the national average is 15.1%.
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 St. Elmo crime rates. St. Elmo registers a population density of 1266 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In St. Elmo, the average rental rates are $915 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | St. Elmo | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 2 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 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 |
| Farina, IL | 777 | 0 | 570 | 570 |
| Vandalia, IL | 6,854 | 41 | 1,187 | 1,228 |
| Altamont, IL | 2,313 | 138 | 1,148 | 1,286 |
| Brownstown, IL | 871 | 394 | 2,341 | 2,735 |
| Beecher City, IL | 385 | 400 | 2,371 | 2,771 |
| Shumway, IL | 136 | 406 | 2,411 | 2,817 |
| Mason, IL | 249 | 414 | 2,455 | 2,869 |
| St. Elmo, IL | 1,505 | 242 | 1,373 | 1,616 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Clarkson, KY | 1,505 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lake Don Pedro, CA | 1,505 | 204 | 872 | 1,076 |
| Belle Plaine, KS | 1,505 | 138 | 346 | 484 |
| Tonka Bay, MN | 1,505 | 36 | 225 | 261 |
| Urania, LA | 1,505 | 292 | 1,288 | 1,580 |
| St. Elmo, IL | 1,505 | 242 | 1,373 | 1,616 |
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