Normal, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Normal, IL

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Normal is 32.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 122 violent crimes reported in Normal, equivalent to 228 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 38.5%. Additionally, Normal recorded 723 property crimes, amounting to 1349 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 31%.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Normal reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Normal?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Normal residents. Out of the respondents (20 in total), 65% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Normal were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 35% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Normal a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Normal 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. Normal has a total crime rate that is 32% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.32 daily crimes (0.33 violent daily crimes and 1.98 daily property crimes) in Normal.

Has Crime in Normal Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Normal. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Normal has increased by 7.1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 17.3%, while property crime has increased by 5.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Normal.

Potential Causes for Crime in Normal

Normal has a population density of 3048.7 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 Normal crime rates.

In Normal, the cost of living is 5.03% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

In Normal, the median home price stands at $169,300, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Normal crime map