| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Harvard/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 71 | n/a (estimate) | 762 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 53.6 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 85.8 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 139 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 53.6 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 44 | n/a | 472.0 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | n/a | 96.5 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 58 | n/a (estimate) | 622 | 1,715 | 1,760 |

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 Harvard crime rate is lower than the national average by 64.1%. Specifically, there were 13 violent crimes in Harvard, equivalent to 139 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 61.2%. Furthermore, Harvard recorded 58 property crimes, amounting to 622 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 64.7%.
Harvard has a crime rate of 762, which is considerably less than the national average of 2119. This results in Harvard being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.
During the most recently reported crime year, Harvard experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1760 property crimes. In Harvard, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 622, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Harvard. Based on the results of the surveys (8 responses), 100% of people felt that there was very little crime in Harvard and felt safe walking alone at night. While 0% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Harvard is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Harvard has a total crime rate that is 64% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.19 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.16 daily property crimes) in Harvard.
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 Harvard 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 Harvard has increased by 4.4% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 40.9% and property crime has increased by 26.1%.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Harvard currently has an unemployment rate of 7.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Harvard, 71.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
Harvard has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.11 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

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 | Harvard | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 20 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 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 |
| Bull Valley, IL | 1,432 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hebron, IL | 1,775 | 72 | 0 | 72 |
| Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, WI | 1,552 | 39 | 162 | 201 |
| Bloomfield, WI | 4,862 | 30 | 210 | 240 |
| Williams Bay, WI | 2,709 | 47 | 193 | 240 |
| Lakewood, IL | 4,146 | 47 | 234 | 281 |
| Timberlane, IL | 1,195 | 41 | 241 | 281 |
| Harvard, IL | 9,547 | 139 | 622 | 762 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sellersburg, IN | 9,547 | 207 | 912 | 1,119 |
| Tomah, WI | 9,547 | 351 | 1,700 | 2,050 |
| Eagle Point, OR | 9,546 | 203 | 1,571 | 1,773 |
| Walnut Grove, WA | 9,546 | 337 | 2,549 | 2,886 |
| Bay Minette, AL | 9,545 | 414 | 1,632 | 2,046 |
| Harvard, IL | 9,547 | 139 | 622 | 762 |