Fairview Heights, IL Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Fairview Heights, IL

What is Fairview Heights' overall crime grade?

Fairview Heights earns an overall crime grade of C+ for 2026. That places it in the middle tier among Illinois suburbs — better than many communities in the broader St. Louis metro area, but with room for improvement. A C+ grade means residents face a moderate level of crime risk, with property offenses driving the score more than violent incidents. For context, the city's 10% poverty rate and 4.7% unemployment rate are both relatively contained figures that help keep crime pressure lower than in higher-poverty communities nearby.

Is Fairview Heights safe to live in?

By most suburban benchmarks, Fairview Heights is a reasonably safe place to live. Its C+ overall crime grade reflects a mixed picture: the city is not among the highest-risk communities in Illinois, but it is not crime-free either. The median household income of $68,505 — well above the state poverty threshold — correlates with neighborhood stability in many residential corridors. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins, vandalism) accounts for the majority of reported incidents, while violent crime remains comparatively limited. Practicing standard precautions — locking vehicles, using home security systems, and checking the interactive crime map regularly — goes a long way toward staying safe here.

What types of crime are most common in Fairview Heights?

Property crime is the dominant category in Fairview Heights, consistent with its C+ grade. Theft and larceny incidents lead the count, followed by motor vehicle theft and burglary, particularly in and around commercial corridors. Violent crimes such as assault do occur but represent a smaller share of total incidents. Drug-related offenses are a secondary concern that local law enforcement actively monitors. Because Fairview Heights has a population of roughly 16,143 spread across a density of about 545 residents per square mile, crime is not uniformly distributed — certain commercial zones see higher activity than quieter residential streets.

What are the safest areas in Fairview Heights?

While granular block-level grades shift over time, residential neighborhoods away from the main commercial corridors consistently report fewer incidents. Areas with active homeowner associations, well-maintained streetscapes, and higher owner-occupancy rates — reflected in the city's median home value of $144,567 — tend to see lower property crime rates. Conversely, zones adjacent to high-traffic retail areas have historically recorded more theft and vehicle-related offenses. Using the Fairview Heights crime map to filter incidents by type and time period is the most reliable way to compare neighborhood-level safety in real time.

How does Fairview Heights' crime rate compare to similar cities?

A C+ crime grade puts Fairview Heights in roughly the middle of the pack for suburban Illinois communities of comparable size (10,000–25,000 residents). Cities with stronger economic indicators — lower poverty rates and higher median incomes — often achieve B or A grades, while communities with higher unemployment and poverty levels tend to score D or F. Fairview Heights' 10% poverty rate and $68,505 median household income are moderate figures that help anchor the city at C+. Compared to urban cores in the St. Louis metro, Fairview Heights is meaningfully safer; compared to the lowest-crime Illinois suburbs, there is still measurable ground to close.

Is Fairview Heights a good place to buy a home from a safety standpoint?

For prospective buyers, the C+ crime grade warrants attention but should not be a dealbreaker on its own. The median home value of $144,567 reflects affordability relative to regional norms, and the median rent of $1,017 signals a functional rental market alongside owner-occupied housing. Buyers are advised to cross-reference specific street addresses on the Fairview Heights crime map before committing, paying particular attention to property crime heat maps in nearby commercial zones. A home in a quieter residential pocket of Fairview Heights, paired with basic security measures, can offer solid value given the city's stable 4.7% unemployment rate and community amenities.

Where can I find up-to-date crime data for Fairview Heights?

The most authoritative sources for Fairview Heights crime data are the Fairview Heights Police Department, which publishes incident reports and community alerts, and third-party platforms such as CrimeMapping.com, which aggregate local law enforcement feeds into interactive maps. The doorprofit.com Fairview Heights crime map compiles this data and translates raw incident counts into letter grades and percentage-based risk scores, making it easier to compare neighborhoods without interpreting raw numbers. Checking these resources monthly — or setting up email alerts — is the most effective way to stay current as patterns shift throughout 2026.