University Park, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in University Park, 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 University Park is 19.3% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 24 violent crimes reported in University Park, equivalent to 341 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 7.8%. Additionally, University Park recorded 108 property crimes, amounting to 1535 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 21.5%.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, University Park has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 341 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. University Park 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 2 murders in University Park, which is 28 murders per 100,000 people.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and University Park is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, University Park reported a total of 45 vehicle thefts, resulting in 639 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 157, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in University Park?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of University Park residents. Out of the respondents (18 in total), 28% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in University Park were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 72% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is University Park a Safe Place to Live?

Is University Park 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, University Park has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 19%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.36 daily incidents, encompassing 0.07 violent crimes and 0.3 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of University Park as a potential place to call home.

Potential Causes for Crime in University Park

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower University Park crime rate. The poverty level in University Park is 10.3%, while the national average is 15.1%.

In University Park, 91.4% 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.

The median home price in University Park is $124,400, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

University Park crime map