| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Sterling/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 238 | n/a (estimate) | 1,653 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 20.8 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 97.2 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 20.8 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 26 | n/a | 180.6 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 46 | n/a (estimate) | 319 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 48 | n/a | 333.3 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 121 | n/a | 840.3 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 23 | n/a | 159.7 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 192 | n/a (estimate) | 1,333 | 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 Sterling is 22% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 46 violent crimes reported in Sterling, equivalent to 319 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 11%. Additionally, Sterling recorded 192 property crimes, amounting to 1333 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 24.3%.
Sterling exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 319 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Sterling as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Sterling is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 3 murders in Sterling, which equates to 21 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Sterling being a very dangerous place to live.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Sterling. Based on the results of the surveys (11 responses), 18% of people felt that there was very little crime in Sterling and felt safe walking alone at night. While 82% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Sterling 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 Sterling crime rate is 22% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.65 crimes per day - 0.13 violent crimes and 0.53 property crimes.
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 Sterling 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 Sterling has decreased by 54% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 76.9% and property crime has decreased by 60.9%.
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. Sterling currently has an unemployment rate of 2.4%, 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.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Sterling crime rates. The population density in Sterling is 2628.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Sterling is $163,230, compared to a national average of $326,622.
| Item | Sterling | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 39 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Polo, IL | 2,286 | 45 | 0 | 45 |
| Milledgeville, IL | 1,014 | 0 | 503 | 503 |
| Dixon, IL | 16,145 | 193 | 459 | 651 |
| Prophetstown, IL | 2,007 | 124 | 737 | 861 |
| Morrison, IL | 3,961 | 177 | 1,048 | 1,224 |
| Grand Detour, IL | 363 | 252 | 1,495 | 1,746 |
| Como, IL | 536 | 342 | 2,032 | 2,375 |
| Sterling, IL | 15,351 | 319 | 1,333 | 1,653 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Jackson, MO | 15,346 | 82 | 1,035 | 1,117 |
| Hershey, PA | 15,338 | 120 | 697 | 817 |
| Gloversville, NY | 15,335 | 251 | 1,348 | 1,598 |
| Alpine, CA | 15,370 | 259 | 1,106 | 1,364 |
| Williamsburg, VA | 15,371 | 199 | 1,205 | 1,404 |
| Sterling, IL | 15,351 | 319 | 1,333 | 1,653 |
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