Effingham, IL Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Effingham, IL

Is Effingham, IL safe?

Yes — Effingham earns an overall crime grade of A, placing it among the safer small cities in Illinois. With a population of roughly 12,310 and a population density of only 461 residents per square mile, the city's relatively low density helps keep crime rates manageable. The unemployment rate sits at just 3.4%, and research consistently links low unemployment to lower crime levels. While a poverty rate of 16.9% is worth noting, it has not translated into elevated crime here. Residents in areas near Effingham's community parks and the neighborhoods surrounding Effingham High School routinely report feeling secure walking around at night, and the local police department maintains an active presence throughout the city.

What is the crime rate in Effingham, IL?

Effingham's overall crime performance earns a letter grade of A, meaning its crime rate is well below national and state averages for cities of comparable size. Property crimes — including theft and vandalism — account for the large majority of reported incidents, as is typical in Midwestern small cities. Violent crimes such as assault are comparatively rare and tend to be isolated rather than concentrated in any single corridor. For context, cities with similar populations (around 12,000–13,000 residents) and similar median household incomes (Effingham's is $52,551) often score in the B or C range; Effingham's A grade signals meaningfully better-than-average public safety outcomes. The median home value of $136,180 and a median rent of just $630 also reflect a stable, low-stress housing market, which correlates with community cohesion and lower crime.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Effingham, IL?

Because Effingham as a whole grades at an A for crime, no neighborhood stands out as a high-risk zone. That said, areas in the city's residential corridors near Effingham High School and the city's park system are consistently cited by residents as calm and family-friendly. The communities of Dieterich and Teutopolis, located just outside the city center, benefit from tight-knit populations and active neighborhood involvement — factors that research shows reduce both property and violent crime. Downtown Effingham, anchored by local commerce and regular community events, also maintains a low-incident profile. When reviewing the crime map, you'll notice that reported incidents are spread thinly across the city rather than clustered, which is a hallmark of an A-grade community.

How does Effingham's crime compare to other Illinois cities?

Effingham's A overall crime grade puts it ahead of most Illinois cities, including many with similar or even smaller populations. Illinois as a whole carries elevated crime averages driven largely by urban centers, so a small city earning an A stands out positively. Effingham's 3.4% unemployment rate is below the state average, and its median household income of $52,551 provides a stable economic foundation — both factors that contribute to its strong safety profile. Compared to other downstate Illinois communities of 10,000–15,000 residents, Effingham's combination of low crime grade, affordable housing (median home value $136,180), and low median rent ($630) makes it one of the more attractive options for safety-conscious residents and families.

Is Effingham a good place to live in 2026?

By the numbers, Effingham presents a compelling case in 2026. The city's A crime grade is the headline safety stat, but it's supported by a broader set of indicators: a 3.4% unemployment rate signals a healthy local job market, a median household income of $52,551 provides moderate economic stability, and a median home value of $136,180 keeps homeownership accessible. Median rent of just $630 means renters also benefit from affordability. The poverty rate of 16.9% is an area to watch, as higher poverty can put upward pressure on crime over time, but Effingham's current A grade suggests the community has effective support systems in place. Families, retirees, and young professionals looking for a safe, affordable, small-city lifestyle in Illinois will find Effingham's data profile hard to beat.

What types of crime are most common in Effingham?

As in most small Midwestern cities, property crimes — including theft, burglary, and vandalism — make up the majority of reported incidents in Effingham. Violent crimes such as aggravated assault or robbery are significantly less frequent and tend to be isolated events rather than patterns tied to specific neighborhoods. The city's low population density of 461 people per square mile limits the kind of concentrated criminal activity seen in denser urban environments. The crime map reflects this distribution: markers for minor property offenses appear scattered across various districts, while serious violent crime markers are sparse. Residents near Dieterich and Teutopolis report even fewer property crime incidents than the city average, reinforcing those areas' reputations as among the calmest in the region.