Nestled in the heart of Illinois, Lemont is a quaint town that many call home. But how safe is it really?
It has a rich history of a close, friendly community. Because of this, one might assume it’s a haven from crime. But how safe is Lemont?
The city of Lemont is 240% safer than the national average, making it a very safe place to live and raise a family.
This article looks into Lemont crime statistics, comparing it with other cities and providing a complete overview for both residents, those looking to move here, and potential visitors.
Types of Crimes in Lemont IL
Lemont, like any other town, experiences a range of criminal activities. While there is an over lower crime rate than in many other cities, it’s important to understand the types of crimes that occur.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Violent Crime Rates in Lemont
These are offenses that involve force or threat of force. Crime rates for Lemont, as per the data from various sources, are as follows:
- Assault: With a rate of 0.5858 per 1,000 residents, assault cases are relatively low. However, it’s always crucial for residents to be aware of their surroundings.
- Robbery: At 0.1934 per 1,000 residents, robbery rates are considerably low, indicating a safer environment for both residents and visitors.
- Rape: The rate stands at 0.4090 per 1,000 residents. While this number is lower than many cities, it’s essential to have community awareness programs in place.
- Murder: A very low rate of 0.0369 per 1,000 residents showcases the town’s commitment to safety.
Property Crime Rates in Lemont
These crimes involve the theft or destruction of someone’s property.
- Theft: At 5.805 per 1,000 residents, theft is one of the more common crimes. Residents are advised to take precautions like locking their homes and vehicles.
- Vehicle Theft: The rate is 0.2026 per 1,000 residents, emphasizing the importance of secure parking.
- Burglary: With a rate of 1.410 per 1,000 residents, it’s essential to have community watch programs and home security systems.
- Arson: A relatively rare crime with a rate of 0.0511 per 1,000 residents.
Other Crimes in Lemont
This is a mix of various offenses that don’t fit into the above categories:
- Kidnapping: A very low rate of 0.0099 per 1,000 residents.
- Drug Crimes: Standing at 0.4670 per 1,000 residents, it’s essential to have community programs that educate about the dangers of drug abuse.
- Vandalism: With a rate of 1.476 per 1,000 residents, community clean-up initiatives can help deter such activities.
- Identity Theft: A rate of 1.463 per 1,000 residents highlights the importance of safeguarding personal information.
- Animal Cruelty: A rare occurrence with a rate of 0.0049 per 1,000 residents, but awareness programs can ensure it remains low.
Crime in Lemont Compared to Nearby Cities
When analyzing the safety of a town, it’s a good idea to compare its crime rates with those of neighboring cities. This gives you a broader perspective and helps put the crime numbers into perspective.
Here’s how Lemont’s crime rates stack up against some of its neighbors:
- Lemont: With a crime rate of 104.5, Lemont boasts a relatively low crime rate, especially when considering both violent and property crimes. The town’s commitment to safety and community vigilance plays a significant role in maintaining this rate.
- Darien: Located not far from Lemont, Darien has a crime rate of 61.5. While this is lower than Lemont’s, it’s essential to consider the types of crimes and their frequency. Darien’s lower rate doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safer; the nature of crimes can vary.
- Bolingbrook: Another neighboring city, Bolingbrook, has a crime rate of 93.0. This is closer to Lemont’s rate, and the two towns share many similarities in terms of safety initiatives and community involvement.
- Lockport: With a crime rate slightly higher than Lemont’s, Lockport stands at 110.3. The proximity of these cities means they often share resources and strategies to combat crime.
- Woodridge: This city has a crime rate of 85.4, which is lower than Lemont’s. However, as with all comparisons, it’s crucial to look deeper into the types of crimes that contribute to this number.
When comparing Lemont to its neighboring cities, it’s pretty clear that it holds its own in terms of safety. While no place is entirely free from crime, Lemont’s proactive approach to community safety, combined with its residents’ vigilance, helps keep it a desirable place to live.
Sex Offenders in Lemont
Lemont, like all communities, has its share of challenges. One such concern is the presence of registered sex offenders. Here’s what the data reveals:
- Number of Registered Sex Offenders: As of August 09, 2023, there were 11 registered sex offenders living in Lemont.
- Ratio to Residents: The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Lemont is 1,501 to 1. This means for every 1,501 residents, there is one registered sex offender. This ratio is lower than the state average, indicating a higher concentration of registered sex offenders in Lemont compared to the state average.
For those looking to find more information about registered sex offenders in their vicinity, the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) offers a searchable database to find registered offenders by name, zip code, or address.
Law Enforcement in Lemont IL
A town’s safety depends on the law enforcement agencies that serve and protect it.
Here’s a closer look at law enforcement in Lemont:
- Police Force Strength: As of 2021, Lemont recorded they had 26 full-time law enforcement employees. Out of these, 21 are police officers. That’s a ratio of 1.20 officers for every 1,000 residents.
- Comparison with Illinois Average: The Illinois state average is 2.87 officers per 1,000 residents. While Lemont’s ratio is below this average, remember that the needs of each town vary. Crime levels usually dictate the officer-to-resident ratio.
- Community Policing: The Lemont Police Department focuses on community policing, a strategy that builds strong relationships between officers and residents of the community. By working closely together, the police can better address concerns, gather information, and create a more united approach to safety.
Resident’s Opinion on Lemont’s Crime Data
If you’re still not convinced I’ve lived in Lemont for three years now and I can confidently say that Lemont is a safe place to live. Not once have I been a victim of a crime or felt unsafe.
For context and comparison, I grew up in St. Louis (not the safest place in the US) and have lived for several years in Milwaukee and on the Southside of Chicago. So I feel I have a pretty good gauge of what a safe city looks and feels like.
Lemont is safer than all of these places.
I think a big part of what makes Lemont one of the safest places to live is the community itself. I get the sense that most folks in Lemont love their city, take pride in their homes, and look out for their neighbors. This plays a big part in the Lemont crime rates.
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