| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wood River/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 203 | n/a (estimate) | 1,987 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 107.7 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 29.4 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 14 | n/a | 137.0 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 28 | n/a (estimate) | 274 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 40 | n/a | 391.5 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 123 | n/a | 1,204.0 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 117.5 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 175 | n/a (estimate) | 1,713 | 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 Wood River is 6.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 28 violent crimes reported in Wood River, equivalent to 274 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 23.7%. Additionally, Wood River recorded 175 property crimes, amounting to 1713 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 2.7%.
In terms of the total Wood River crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Wood River, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
In the most recently reported crime year, Wood River registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Wood River maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Wood River, 1713 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Wood River. Based on the results of the surveys (14 responses), 57% of people felt that there was very little crime in Wood River and felt safe walking alone at night. While 43% 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 Wood River 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 Wood River crime rate is 6% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.56 crimes per day - 0.08 violent crimes and 0.48 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 Wood River 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 Wood River has decreased by 65.4% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 52.5% and property crime has decreased by 66.9%.
In Wood River, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.5%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Wood River crime rates.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Wood River, 80.5% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Wood River, the cost of living is 17.15% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

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 | Wood River | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 24 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 |
| Worden, IL | 908 | 0 | 94 | 94 |
| Maryville, IL | 8,220 | 60 | 288 | 348 |
| Pasadena Hills, MO | 1,159 | 84 | 354 | 438 |
| Troy, IL | 10,601 | 9 | 460 | 469 |
| Bel-Nor, MO | 1,553 | 119 | 501 | 621 |
| Edwardsville, IL | 25,839 | 30 | 683 | 713 |
| Mitchell, IL | 1,281 | 116 | 686 | 801 |
| Wood River, IL | 10,358 | 274 | 1,713 | 1,987 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Red Bank, SC | 10,356 | 385 | 1,732 | 2,116 |
| Elkhorn, WI | 10,351 | 59 | 538 | 597 |
| Plymouth, IN | 10,366 | 361 | 1,590 | 1,950 |
| Lancaster, NY | 10,349 | 43 | 957 | 1,000 |
| Española, NM | 10,349 | 723 | 2,773 | 3,496 |
| Wood River, IL | 10,358 | 274 | 1,713 | 1,987 |