| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waukegan/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,795 | n/a (estimate) | 2,060 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 5.7 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 77 | n/a | 88.3 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 53 | n/a | 60.8 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 253 | n/a | 290.3 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 388 | n/a (estimate) | 445 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 236 | n/a | 270.8 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 714 | n/a | 819.2 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 457 | n/a | 524.4 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,407 | n/a (estimate) | 1,614 | 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 Waukegan is 2.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 388 violent crimes reported in Waukegan, equivalent to 445 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 24%. Additionally, Waukegan recorded 1407 property crimes, amounting to 1614 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 8.3%.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Waukegan per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Waukegan crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
Waukegan maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Waukegan, 1614 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
With a total of 457 vehicle thefts last year, Waukegan has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 524 per 100,000 people. This lands Waukegan in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 191.
AreaVibes surveyed 42 local residents in Waukegan to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 29% of people answered that there was very little crime in Waukegan and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 71% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Waukegan 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, Waukegan has an overall crime rate that is 3% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 4.92 daily occurrences, comprising 1.06 violent crimes and 3.85 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Waukegan as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Waukegan. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Waukegan has decreased by 20.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 17.2%, while property crimes have decreased by 27.1%. 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.
Waukegan reports an unemployment rate of 5.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Waukegan crime rates.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Waukegan, 66% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
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 Waukegan, the average rental rates are $1,494 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Waukegan | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 183 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Tower Lakes, IL | 1,320 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hawthorn Woods, IL | 8,495 | 0 | 137 | 137 |
| Round Lake Park, IL | 8,005 | 90 | 90 | 181 |
| Lindenhurst, IL | 14,637 | 35 | 154 | 188 |
| Third Lake, IL | 1,192 | 41 | 241 | 281 |
| Round Lake Heights, IL | 3,083 | 78 | 234 | 312 |
| North Barrington, IL | 2,886 | 45 | 269 | 314 |
| Waukegan, IL | 90,063 | 445 | 1,614 | 2,060 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Newport Beach, CA | 90,043 | 252 | 1,873 | 2,124 |
| O'Fallon, MO | 90,020 | 59 | 479 | 538 |
| Citrus Heights, CA | 90,373 | 439 | 2,127 | 2,566 |
| Ogden, UT | 90,520 | 505 | 1,925 | 2,431 |
| Newton, MA | 90,578 | 49 | 599 | 648 |
| Waukegan, IL | 90,063 | 445 | 1,614 | 2,060 |
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