Loading Content...
Property Crime Trends in Bloomingdale: A Decade of Significant Decline Amidst Economic Growth
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Loading Content...
Crime
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Bloomingdale, Illinois, presents an intriguing case study in property crime trends. From 2010 to 2020, the city experienced a significant decrease in total property crimes, falling from 849 in 2010 to an estimated 432 in 2019 (the last year with complete data), representing a 49.1% reduction. During this same period, the population remained relatively stable, growing slightly from 26,669 in 2010 to 26,831 in 2020, an increase of just 0.6%.
The burglary rate in the city showed a notable decline over the years. In 2010, there were 42 burglaries reported, which decreased to 18 by 2020, marking a 57.1% reduction. When adjusted for population, the burglary rate fell from 1.57 per 1,000 residents in 2010 to 0.67 per 1,000 in 2020. Interestingly, while the number of burglaries decreased, the city's share of state burglaries increased slightly from 0.08% in 2010 to 0.09% in 2020, suggesting that burglary rates may have declined more rapidly in other parts of the state.
Larceny-theft, the most common property crime in the city, also saw a substantial decrease. In 2010, there were 802 reported cases, which dropped to 396 in 2019 (the last year with available data), a 50.6% reduction. The larceny-theft rate per 1,000 residents decreased from 30.1 in 2010 to 14.9 in 2019. The city's share of state larceny-theft incidents decreased from 0.48% in 2010 to 0.28% in 2019, indicating that the city's improvement in this category outpaced the state average.
Motor vehicle theft trends showed more volatility but ultimately increased. In 2010, there were 5 reported cases, which rose to 12 in 2020, a 140% increase. The rate per 1,000 residents increased from 0.19 in 2010 to 0.45 in 2020. Despite this increase, the city's share of state motor vehicle thefts remained relatively low, rising from 0.02% in 2010 to 0.07% in 2020.
Arson cases in the city were rare, with only 1 reported case in 2010 and again in 2020. The arson rate per 1,000 residents remained stable at around 0.04. The city's share of state arson cases decreased slightly from 0.1% in 2010 to 0.08% in 2020, suggesting that arson trends in the city generally aligned with state trends.
Examining correlations between property crime trends and demographic factors reveals some interesting patterns. The decrease in overall property crime rates coincided with a steady increase in median income, which rose from $79,598 in 2013 to $90,326 in 2022. This suggests a potential negative correlation between income levels and property crime rates. Additionally, the slight increase in homeownership rates from 74% in 2013 to 76% in 2022 may have contributed to the reduction in burglaries and larceny-thefts, as homeowners often invest more in security measures.
Applying predictive models to forecast property crime trends for the next seven years (up to 2029, which is five years from the current year 2024) suggests a continuation of the overall downward trend in property crimes. However, motor vehicle thefts may continue to pose a challenge, potentially increasing further if current trends persist. Burglaries and larceny-thefts are expected to stabilize at lower levels, while arson cases are likely to remain rare and sporadic.
In summary, Bloomingdale has made significant strides in reducing property crime rates over the past decade, particularly in burglaries and larceny-thefts. These improvements, coupled with rising income levels and homeownership rates, paint a picture of a community becoming increasingly secure. However, the uptick in motor vehicle thefts warrants continued attention and targeted prevention efforts. As the city moves forward, maintaining these positive trends while addressing emerging challenges will be crucial for ensuring the ongoing safety and well-being of its residents.
