Bloomington, IL Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Bloomington, IL

Is Bloomington, IL safe?

Bloomington earns an overall crime grade of B-, which places it in a reasonably safe tier among Illinois cities of comparable size. The city's 3% unemployment rate — well below the national average — and a median household income of $66,861 contribute to economic stability that correlates with lower crime pressure in many neighborhoods. Property crimes remain the most common category citywide, while violent crime rates are relatively contained. Areas like West Bloomington and neighborhoods near Northwood Hills consistently show lower incident densities on the crime map. As with any city, situational awareness matters, particularly near commercial corridors and during late-night hours.

What is the crime rate in Bloomington, IL?

Bloomington's crime profile earns a B- overall grade, reflecting a city that performs better than many Illinois peers but still has room for improvement. Property crime — including theft, vehicle break-ins, and burglary — accounts for the largest share of incidents and tends to cluster near high-traffic commercial zones rather than residential subdivisions. Violent crime represents a smaller proportion of total incidents and is not evenly distributed across the city's 132,710 residents. The city's 12.8% poverty rate and population density of 1,106 people per square mile are factors analysts weigh when interpreting these trends. Compared to other Illinois cities with similar density profiles, Bloomington's B- grade signals a manageable but not negligible risk environment.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Bloomington, IL?

Based on crime map data, the North Bloomington and Northwood Hills areas consistently show lower incident concentrations. The West Bloomington corridor, particularly in established residential subdivisions, also tends to register fewer property and violent crime reports relative to the city's commercial core. Neighborhoods on the south side near Normal benefit from proximity to institutional anchors and active community engagement, which research links to lower crime rates. In contrast, areas adjacent to major commercial intersections and downtown corridors show higher incident densities on the heat map — a pattern common in cities with Bloomington's population and density profile. Renters and homebuyers should note that the median rent of $844 and median home value of $163,198 make safer neighborhoods relatively accessible compared to larger metro areas.

Is Bloomington, IL a good place to live?

By most measurable indicators, Bloomington scores well as a place to live. Its B- crime grade is paired with a 3% unemployment rate, a median household income of $66,861, and affordable housing — the median home value sits at $163,198 with a median rent of just $844 per month. The 12.8% poverty rate is a metric worth monitoring, as concentrated poverty in specific census tracts can correlate with localized crime upticks, but it has not dragged the city's overall grade below the B range. With a population of 132,710 spread at a moderate density of 1,106 per square mile, Bloomington offers the amenities of a mid-sized city without the crime intensity of denser urban cores. Families, professionals, and students generally find the city's safety-to-affordability ratio favorable compared to larger Illinois metros.

How does Bloomington's crime grade compare to other Illinois cities?

Bloomington's B- overall crime grade positions it favorably within Illinois. Many similarly sized Illinois cities — particularly those with higher poverty rates or greater population density — score in the C or D range. Bloomington's relatively low 3% unemployment rate and stable median income of $66,861 are structural factors that help sustain this grade. However, the 12.8% poverty rate is a reminder that economic stress is not absent from the city. Neighborhoods with higher concentrations of poverty, such as parts of the downtown core, tend to pull the grade slightly downward from what the city's income and employment numbers alone might suggest. Overall, a B- is a solid standing — better than average for Illinois but with identifiable areas where targeted safety improvements could push the grade higher.