Champaign, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Champaign, IL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Champaign is 1.9% 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 Champaign, there were 580 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 646 per 100,000 individuals, 74.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1547 property crimes, amounting to 1722 per 100,000 residents, 11.9% lower than the U.S. average.

In terms of the total Champaign 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 Champaign, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Champaign is very similar to the national average. Champaign had a property crime rate of 1722, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Champaign?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Champaign. Based on the results of the surveys (79 responses), 23% of people felt that there was very little crime in Champaign and felt safe walking alone at night. While 77% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Champaign a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Champaign 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 Champaign crime rate is 2% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 5.83 crimes per day - 1.59 violent crimes and 4.24 property crimes.

Has Crime in Champaign Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Champaign has increased by 6.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Champaign, 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 7.5%, while property crime has increased by 13.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Champaign is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Champaign

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 Champaign 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. Champaign has an unemployment rate of 3%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

In Champaign, 93.6% 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.

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 Champaign, the cost of living is 8.31% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Champaign crime map