LaSalle County, situated in the central part of Illinois, lies about 165 miles southwest of Chicago. It ranks as the second-most populous county in the Peoria metropolitan area and is home to around 109,658 individuals. Known for its rich history, varied economy, and picturesque natural spaces, LaSalle County offers a mix of attributes.
Nevertheless, the county also grapples with its share of criminal activity and violence. According to the FBI’s data, LaSalle County documented a total of 2,487 incidents in 2020. Among these, 179 were categorized as violent crimes, while 2,308 were property-related offenses. With an overall crime rate of 18.98 per 100,000 residents, the county’s rate is lower than the national average of 37.19 per 100,000 residents.
However, it’s important to note that not all neighborhoods within LaSalle County carry the same level of safety. Certain areas exhibit higher rates of violent crimes, including offenses like murder, rape, robbery, and assault. Drawing from information from CrimeGrade and AreaVibes, the following are the five most hazardous neighborhoods in LaSalle County as of 2023:
5. Streator
Streator, positioned in the southeastern region of LaSalle County along the Vermilion River, is a city housing approximately 12,710 residents. This neighborhood reports a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents, slightly surpassing the county’s average but still lower than the national average.
Streator also grapples with a considerable property crime rate of 1,302 per 100,000 residents, which stands 56% above the county’s average but is 12% lower than the national average. Predominant offenses here include theft, burglary, and vandalism.
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4. Mendota
Found in the northern section of LaSalle County along Interstate 39, Mendota is a neighborhood home to around 7,057 people. With a violent crime rate of 26 per 100,000 residents, Mendota’s rate slightly exceeds the county’s average but falls below the national average.
The area also contends with a significant property crime rate of 1,309 per 100,000 residents, which stands 57% above the county’s average while being 11% lower than the national average. Theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft are the prevailing criminal activities in Mendota.
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3. Ottawa
Sitting in the eastern part of LaSalle County at the intersection of the Illinois River and the Fox River, Ottawa serves as the county seat and largest city, housing approximately 18,562 inhabitants. Ottawa’s violent crime rate of 27 per 100,000 residents slightly surpasses the county’s average but is lower than the national average.
The neighborhood also contends with a notable property crime rate of 1,316 per 100,000 residents, standing 58% above the county’s average while remaining 11% below the national average. Theft, burglary, and assault are the primary offenses in Ottawa.
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2. Peru
Peru, located in the western part of LaSalle County along Interstate 80 and the Illinois River, is a city inhabited by roughly 9,834 people. This neighborhood’s violent crime rate of 28 per 100,000 residents slightly exceeds the county’s average while falling below the national average.
Peru also registers a considerable property crime rate of 1,323 per 100,000 residents, standing 59% above the county’s average but 10% below the national average. Theft, burglary, and robbery represent the prominent criminal activities in Peru.
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1. La Salle
Positioned in the western section of LaSalle County along Interstate 39 and the Illinois River, La Salle is a city with an approximate population of 9,082 individuals. La Salle’s violent crime rate of 29 per 100,000 residents slightly surpasses the county’s average but is lower than the national average.
The neighborhood also grapples with a high property crime rate of 1,330 per 100,000 residents, standing 60% above the county’s average while remaining 10% below the national average. Theft, burglary, and vandalism constitute the prevailing criminal activities in La Salle.
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Conclusion
The aforementioned neighborhoods are identified as the five most hazardous within LaSalle County based on the most current available data. However, crime rates can fluctuate over time and can vary based on data sources and methodologies.
Hence, it remains crucial to exercise caution and awareness when residing in or visiting any area. Furthermore, it’s important to recognize that despite the negatives, LaSalle County offers numerous positive features and attractions.
It’s a lively, diverse locale that provides residents and visitors with abundant opportunities and experiences.
