B+
27%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
50%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
22%
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 peopleWatseka/100k peopleIllinois/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime69n/a (estimate)1,5482,0042,119
Murder0n/a0.05.85.0
Rape2n/a44.946.937.5
Robbery1n/a22.490.260.6
Assault5n/a112.2146.3256.1
Violent crime8n/a (estimate)179289359
Burglary5n/a112.2290.5229.2
Theft54n/a1,211.31,134.41,272.1
Vehicle theft2n/a44.9290.4258.8
Property crime61n/a (estimate)1,3681,7151,760

Watseka crime map

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The Watseka crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Watseka 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 Watseka crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Watseka 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 Watseka, IL

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Watseka crime rate is lower than the national average by 27%. Specifically, there were 8 violent crimes in Watseka, equivalent to 179 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 50%. Furthermore, Watseka recorded 61 property crimes, amounting to 1368 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 22.3%.

During the most recently reported crime year, Watseka 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 Watseka a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Watseka is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Watseka has an overall crime rate that is 27% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.19 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.17 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Watseka as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Watseka Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Watseka has decreased by 55.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Watseka, 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 decreased by 50%, while property crime has decreased by 55.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Watseka is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Watseka

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 Watseka crime rates. For instance, in Watseka, the population density stands at 1643.8 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 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 Watseka is $142,994, compared to a national average of $326,622.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Watseka are $994, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.

Compare Watseka, IL Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Watseka crime rates are 27% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Watseka are 50% lower than the national average
      • In Watseka you have a 1 in 65 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Watseka is safer than 47% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Watseka has decreased by 3%

      Watseka, IL Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Watseka (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Watseka, Illinois is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Watseka are 1.30 times less than the Illinois average and 1.37 times less than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Watseka are 1.61 times less than than Illinois and 2.00 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Watseka are 1.25 times less than than Illinois and 1.29 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Watseka (higher is better)

        How safe is Watseka, Illinois compared to other cities in Illinois and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Watseka is safer than 31% of the cities in Illinois and 47% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Illinois and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Watseka. Overall, Watseka is ranked below average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Watseka

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Watseka is 1 in 558
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Watseka is 1 in 74
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Watseka is 1 in 65
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Watseka? In Watseka, IL you have a 1 in 558 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 74 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 65 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Watseka.

        Year Over Year Crime In Watseka (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Watseka is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Watseka has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 33% in Watseka, while property crimes in Watseka have increased by 3%. Total crime has decreased by 3% year over year.

        Watseka police department

        Item Watseka Illinois National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)930,690558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.72.63.3
        There are a total of 9 Watseka police officers. This results in 1.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 34.8% less than the Illinois average and 46.9% 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
        Morocco, IN1,138131576707
        Kentland, IN1,872133587721
        Clifton, IL1,208113672786
        Gilman, IL1,776131778910
        Sheldon, IL1,2221458631,008
        Onarga, IL1,1711478741,021
        Milford, IL1,2721478741,022
        Watseka, IL5,0751791,3681,548

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Medical Lake, WA5,0752551,9312,187
        Winslow, ME5,0751491,0681,218
        Los Chaves, NM5,0753361,2901,626
        Mendham, NJ5,07657371427
        Hazard, KY5,07662779841
        Watseka, IL5,0751791,3681,548
        Source: The Watseka, 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.