An Overview of Crime Rates in Rockford, IL
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Rockford is 74.9% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Rockford, there were 2098 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1430 per 100,000 individuals, 286.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 3866 property crimes, amounting to 2635 per 100,000 residents, 34.8% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 4065 per 100,000 residents, Rockford has a crime rate that is 74.91% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Rockford that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Rockford is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1430 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Rockford is 1 in 70.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Rockford has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 16 murders in Rockford, which is 11 murders per 100,000 people.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Rockford ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 770 vehicle thefts, amounting to 525 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Rockford within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 191.
What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Rockford?
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Rockford. Based on the results of the surveys (212 responses), 11% of people felt that there was very little crime in Rockford and felt safe walking alone at night. While 89% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Rockford a Safe Place to Live?
Determining whether Rockford 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, Rockford has an overall crime rate that is 75% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 16.34 daily occurrences, comprising 5.75 violent crimes and 10.59 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Rockford as a potential place to establish residency.
Has Crime in Rockford Increased Since Last Year?
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Rockford. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Rockford has increased by 3.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 5.1%, while property crimes have increased by 8.2%. 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.
Potential Causes for Crime in Rockford
Rockford reports an unemployment rate of 5.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. 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 Rockford crime rates.
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 Rockford crime rates. The population density in Rockford is 2271.5 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Rockford, 76.9% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
