| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Zion/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 599 | n/a (estimate) | 2,460 | 1,970 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 20.5 | 7.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 23 | n/a | 94.5 | 48.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 10 | n/a | 41.1 | 84.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 85 | n/a | 349.1 | 146.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 123 | n/a (estimate) | 505 | 287 | 370 |
| Burglary | 60 | n/a | 246.4 | 208.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 311 | n/a | 1,277.3 | 1,192.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 105 | n/a | 431.2 | 281.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 476 | n/a (estimate) | 1,955 | 1,683 | 1,954 |
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 Zion crime rate is higher than the national average by 5.9%. Specifically, there were 123 violent crimes in Zion, equivalent to 505 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 36.6%. Furthermore, Zion recorded 476 property crimes, amounting to 1955 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 0%.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Zion 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 Zion crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Zion stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Zion, a total of 5 murders were reported, equating to 21 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Zion maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Zion, 1955 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 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 105 vehicle thefts last year, Zion has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 431 per 100,000 people. This lands Zion in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 232.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Zion residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 31 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 3% of Zion residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 97% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Zion 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, Zion has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 6%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.64 daily incidents, encompassing 0.34 violent crimes and 1.3 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion has decreased by 22.2% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 5.4% and property crime has decreased by 25.6%.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Zion crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Zion has an unemployment rate of 5.6%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
In Zion, 75.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Zion, the cost of living is 8.06% lower than the national average.
| Item | Zion | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 58 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| Libertyville, IL | 20,300 | 29 | 201 | 230 |
| Wauconda, IL | 13,629 | 29 | 208 | 237 |
| Third Lake, IL | 1,160 | 44 | 257 | 300 |
| Knollwood, IL | 1,684 | 53 | 308 | 361 |
| Green Oaks, IL | 3,882 | 55 | 321 | 375 |
| Lindenhurst, IL | 14,317 | 77 | 309 | 386 |
| Wadsworth, IL | 3,515 | 77 | 454 | 532 |
| Zion, IL | 23,677 | 505 | 1,955 | 2,460 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Newberg, OR | 23,676 | 400 | 3,437 | 3,837 |
| Windsor, CO | 23,679 | 29 | 574 | 603 |
| Searcy, AR | 23,673 | 513 | 3,694 | 4,207 |
| North Haven, CT | 23,665 | 75 | 2,940 | 3,014 |
| Muscatine, IA | 23,661 | 353 | 1,627 | 1,980 |
| Zion, IL | 23,677 | 505 | 1,955 | 2,460 |
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