Illinois has a diverse history and culture, yet it grapples with numerous challenges. Among these, crime emerges as a critical concern, impacting the security and welfare of its inhabitants.
Crime prevalence fluctuates significantly among various cities and regions in Illinois, with certain areas notably marked by heightened danger and violence.
This article will delve into which city in Illinois holds the dubious distinction of having the highest crime rate in the state, as well as the factors that contribute to its elevated levels of criminal activity.
The Highest Crime Rate City in Illinois
According to the latest FBI statistics, Mount Vernon, a small city in southern Illinois with a population of about 15,000, has the highest crime rate in the state. The city’s crime rate is 18,790 per 100,000 residents, which is over four times the state average of 4,507 per 100,000 residents.
In terms of violent crime, Mount Vernon has a rate of 9,740 per 100,000 residents, which is more than double the state average of 4,095 per 100,000 residents, and more than twice the national average of 3,683 per 100,000 residents.
For property crime, Mount Vernon’s rate is 9,050 per 100,000 residents, nearly three times the state average of 3,412 per 100,000 residents, and more than twice the national average of 4,014 per 100,000 residents.
This high crime rate in Mount Vernon is not a recent issue, but rather a persistent and long-standing problem. The city has consistently been ranked among the most dangerous cities in both Illinois and the nation for several years, according to various sources and reports.
NeighborhoodScout has identified Mount Vernon as the most dangerous city in Illinois for 2022, based on its analysis of FBI data from 2019.
Upgradedhome has also designated Mount Vernon as the most dangerous city in Illinois for 2022, based on its analysis of FBI data from 2020.
Additionally, the website ranked Mount Vernon as the 8th most dangerous city in the nation out of 19,000 cities, and assigned it a safety score of 0 out of 100, indicating that it is the least safe city in the country.
Read More: This North Carolina City Has Been Named the Best Place for Outdoor Enthusiasts
The Causes of Mount Vernon’s High Crime Rate
There are several factors and reasons that contribute to the high crime rate in Mount Vernon. These include poverty, unemployment, limited access to education, drug activity, gang presence, corruption, and a lack of resources. However, it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact causes and effects of crime as they are interconnected and complex. Here are some of the potential factors and causes discussed:
Poverty
Mount Vernon experiences a high poverty rate of 25.6%, nearly double the state average of 13.5%, and more than double the national average of 12.3%. Poverty often leads to feelings of desperation, frustration, and hopelessness, which can drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Unemployment
Mount Vernon faces a high unemployment rate of 7.4%, surpassing both the state average of 6.5% and the national average of 5.8%. Unemployment can reduce income and opportunities, increasing the likelihood of engaging in illegal activities to meet basic needs.
Education
Mount Vernon has lower educational attainment levels, with only 80.3% of the population holding a high school diploma or higher, compared to the state average of 89.9%, and the national average of 88.6%. Additionally, only 12.5% of the population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the state average of 34.9%, and the national average of 33.1%.
Corruption
Mount Vernon has a history of corruption and misconduct among public officials and law enforcement agencies. This can erode trust and confidence in the authorities and the justice system. Corruption may also create opportunities for criminal activity through loopholes, cover-ups, and incentives for wrongdoing.
Read more: This City Has Been Named the Murder Capital of Alaska
Conclusion
Mount Vernon, located in Illinois, has earned the unfortunate distinction of having the highest crime rate in the state, and is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the nation. This assessment is based on recent FBI statistics as well as various other sources and reports.
The repercussions of Mount Vernon’s high crime rate are far-reaching and impactful, leading to feelings of fear, significant losses, and a negative stigma.
These effects have a direct bearing on the safety and overall well-being of both the residents and the city itself. Urgent and comprehensive action and intervention are crucial to address and rectify the crime issue in Mount Vernon, ultimately working towards improving the city’s overall conditions and prospects.
