Mount Vernon, IL

City Crime Score

Very low crime

A

Population

22,722

Median Income

$57,983

Home Value

$109,822

Median Age

43.0

Crime Statistics

Assault
128
Robbery
118
Burglary
128
Larceny/Theft
126
Vehicle Theft
122

Demographics

White: 82.3%
Black: 11.9%
Hispanic: 2.5%
Asian: 1.6%

22.5% have a bachelor's degree or higher

Housing

Owners: 64.0%
Renters: 36.0%
Crime Level
Low High
Mount Vernon Neighborhoods & Data

Mount Vernon, IL Crime Map

Explore crime rates, safest neighborhoods, and detailed crime statistics

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About Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, IL

City Crime Score

Very low crime

A

Population

22,722

Median Income

$57,983

Median Home Value

$109,822

Median Age

43.0

Crime Statistics

Assault
128
Robbery
118
Burglary
128
Larceny/Theft
126
Vehicle Theft
122

Demographics

White: 82.3%
Black: 11.9%
Hispanic: 2.5%
Asian: 1.6%

22.5% have a bachelor's degree or higher

Housing

Owners: 64.0%
Renters: 36.0%

Mount Vernon, IL Safety Overview

With a population of 14,769 and an overall crime grade of B-, Mount Vernon, Illinois occupies a middle-ground safety profile that deserves a clear-eyed look rather than either alarm or complacency. The city's 391 residents per square mile and a poverty rate of 21.1% create conditions that influence where and how crime concentrates — but the B- grade signals that most of the community remains reasonably safe for residents and newcomers alike.

What the Data Actually Shows About Crime Patterns

Property crime is the dominant safety concern in Mount Vernon, outpacing violent crime by a considerable margin. Burglary, motor vehicle theft, and larceny tend to cluster in corridors where unemployment — currently at 7% — and economic stress intersect. Violent crime, including assault and domestic incidents, does occur but is less widespread, typically tied to specific blocks rather than entire districts. The city's median household income of $42,194 and median home value of $78,981 reflect an economy where financial pressure can indirectly fuel opportunistic property offenses more than organized or predatory violence. Understanding this distinction matters: a neighborhood may see frequent car break-ins while remaining relatively free of personal safety threats, and the crime map captures that nuance precisely.

Economic Context and Neighborhood Variation

Mount Vernon's median rent of $749 keeps the city accessible, but affordability alone does not determine safety. Neighborhoods closer to commercial corridors and higher-traffic arterials tend to record more theft and vandalism, while quieter residential pockets farther from those corridors generally report fewer incidents. The 21.1% poverty rate is not evenly distributed across the city, which means crime risk is similarly uneven. Residents who examine block-level data on the interactive crime map often find that moving even a few streets in one direction can meaningfully change the risk profile they are navigating.

How the Interactive Crime Map Serves Mount Vernon Residents

The crime map on this page is built for practical decision-making, not abstract analysis. Home buyers evaluating properties in the $78,981 median value range can cross-reference listing addresses against recent incident clusters before making an offer. Renters comparing units near the median $749 rent can quickly identify whether a prospective address falls in a lower-incident zone or near a documented hotspot. Daily commuters can assess whether their typical route through the city intersects with areas of elevated property crime, adjusting timing or parking choices accordingly. Parents, small business owners, and community organizers all use the same underlying data layer — filtered by crime type, date range, and geography — to draw conclusions relevant to their specific situations. The map does not replace judgment, but it replaces guesswork with evidence.

Putting Mount Vernon's B- Grade in Perspective

A B- overall grade means Mount Vernon performs better than a meaningful share of similarly sized Illinois cities, but it also signals room for improvement that residents and local officials are right to take seriously. The combination of a 7% unemployment rate and a poverty rate above one-in-five residents creates headwinds that no single policy or tool can fully offset. Still, the data consistently shows that informed communities — those where residents actively monitor trends, report suspicious activity, and engage with local law enforcement — tend to see incremental safety improvements over time. Mount Vernon's crime map is one part of that larger feedback loop, giving the city's 14,769 residents a concrete way to stay connected to what is actually happening in their neighborhoods rather than relying on perception alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mount Vernon safe?

Mount Vernon is generally considered a safe community with a friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of neighborliness. Like many small cities, it experiences some crime, but overall, it maintains a reputation for being a safe place to live and work. The Mount Vernon crime map shows that most incidents are limited to occasional thefts or minor disturbances, with violent crimes being relatively uncommon. Residents often report feeling comfortable in their neighborhoods, especially in well-maintained areas like the downtown district and certain suburban communities. As with any city, it's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and practice standard safety precautions to ensure a secure living environment.

What is the crime rate in Mount Vernon?

The crime rate in Mount Vernon reflects the challenges faced by many small towns with economic and social factors at play. With a population of around 14,769, the city experiences a moderate level of crime, including property crimes and some instances of violence. The overall safety can vary depending on the neighborhood, but the Mount Vernon crime map provides a helpful overview of where incidents tend to cluster. While the city's crime rate may be higher than some neighboring communities, it is comparable to other towns of similar size in Illinois. Local law enforcement agencies actively work to maintain safety and address issues as they arise, contributing to the community's overall security.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Mount Vernon?

While specific neighborhood crime data isn't available, some areas of Mount Vernon are generally regarded as safer and more desirable to residents. Neighborhoods near the city parks, such as Washington Park, and parts of the residential districts around the Mount Vernon Township area tend to have lower crime reports and a higher community engagement. Suburban areas like the neighborhoods around the Mount Vernon Country Club are also known for their well-maintained homes and active community presence. For prospective residents, exploring the Mount Vernon crime map can provide insight into which areas have fewer reported incidents, helping to identify safer neighborhoods for families and individuals alike.

Is Mount Vernon a good place to live?

Mount Vernon offers a mix of affordability, community spirit, and accessibility, making it a reasonable choice for many looking to settle in southern Illinois. The median household income of around $42,194 and median home value of approximately $78,981 suggest that the city provides affordable living options. Although the poverty rate is relatively high at 21.1%, efforts by local organizations aim to improve economic opportunities. The city's proximity to natural attractions and its small-town charm contribute to a pleasant livability experience. However, potential residents should consider employment opportunities and the local economy, which currently faces a 7% unemployment rate. Overall, Mount Vernon can be a good place to live for those seeking a tight-knit community with reasonable costs and access to regional amenities.