Lake Forest, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lake Forest, IL

The Lake Forest crime rates are 70.4% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 3 violent crimes in Lake Forest (16 per 100,000 people), which is 95.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 129 property crimes (672 per 100,000 residents) which is 65.6% lower than average.

Lake Forest has a crime rate of 687, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Lake Forest 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.

Lake Forest distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 16 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Lake Forest among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

In the latest reported crime year, Lake Forest recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Lake Forest has a property crime rate of 672 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1954. This is a good indicator that Lake Forest is a safe place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lake Forest?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Lake Forest residents. Out of the respondents (13 in total), 85% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Lake Forest were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 15% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Lake Forest a Safe Place to Live?

Is Lake Forest 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, Lake Forest has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 70%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.36 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.35 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Lake Forest as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Lake Forest Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Lake Forest has increased by 0.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Lake Forest is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 62.5%, while property crime has increased by 4.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Lake Forest.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lake Forest

In Lake Forest, the poverty rate currently stands at 2.9%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Lake Forest crime rates.

Lake Forest has a population density of 1133.5 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Lake Forest crime rates.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Lake Forest are $1,627, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Lake Forest crime map