Wood River, IL Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Wood River, IL

What is Wood River's overall crime grade?

Wood River earns an overall crime grade of A for 2026, placing it among the safer small cities in Illinois. This grade reflects a crime environment that is meaningfully better than the national average for communities of comparable size. With a population of approximately 10,149 and a density of 561 residents per square mile, Wood River's crime rate per capita remains low relative to peer cities across the Midwest. Residents can take confidence in this rating while still practicing standard safety awareness.

How safe is Wood River compared to other Illinois cities?

Wood River's A crime grade puts it in a favorable position compared to many Illinois communities. Its poverty rate of 18% and unemployment rate of 5% are economic indicators that researchers often correlate with crime pressure, yet Wood River's overall safety outcomes remain strong. The city's median household income of $50,047 and affordable median home value of $87,342 reflect a working-class community that has maintained a relatively safe environment despite modest economic resources. Compared to larger metro-area cities, Wood River's crime profile is considerably more manageable.

What types of crime are most common in Wood River?

Property crimes — including vehicle theft, burglary, and larceny — represent the most frequently reported incident categories in Wood River, consistent with national patterns for small cities. Violent crimes such as assault occur sporadically and tend to be concentrated in specific pockets rather than spread evenly across the city. Substance-related offenses also appear in the data and can influence overall incident counts. The city's A overall grade indicates that even the most prevalent crime types occur at rates well below what is typical for U.S. cities, making Wood River a statistically safe place to live and work.

Which neighborhoods in Wood River are considered safest?

Residential zones characterized by single-family homes and lower population density — such as areas near Wood River Middle School and the neighborhoods surrounding City Park — tend to report fewer incidents. The downtown district maintains an active community presence with local businesses and events that contribute to natural surveillance and lower crime opportunity. While Wood River's A crime grade applies broadly to the city, quieter suburban streets with owner-occupied housing consistently show the most favorable safety profiles. Checking the interactive crime map regularly allows residents to track any emerging patterns in specific zones.

Is Wood River a good place to live based on safety data?

By the numbers, Wood River presents a compelling safety case for prospective residents. An A crime grade, a median rent of just $796 per month, and a median home value of $87,342 combine to make it one of the more affordable and safe small cities in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. The 18% poverty rate and 5% unemployment rate are worth noting as contextual economic factors, but they have not translated into elevated crime outcomes — a testament to the community's cohesion and active local law enforcement. For families, retirees, and working professionals seeking a low-crime environment without a premium price tag, Wood River's data profile is genuinely strong.

How does Wood River's poverty rate affect its crime grade?

Wood River carries an 18% poverty rate, which is above the national median and a factor that criminologists commonly associate with elevated crime risk. However, the city's A overall crime grade demonstrates that poverty alone does not determine safety outcomes. Community policing initiatives, neighborhood engagement, and the city's relatively modest population density of 561 people per square mile all help mitigate risk factors. The unemployment rate of 5% — close to the national average — also suggests that while economic hardship exists for some residents, the broader workforce remains largely employed, reducing one key driver of property crime.