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Crime
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Fairfield, located in Illinois, presents an intriguing case study in violent crime trends. Over the past decade, from 2010 to 2020, the city experienced fluctuations in its total violent crime incidents, ranging from a low of 7 in 2017 to a high of 34 in 2012. This represents a 136.36% increase in violent crimes over this period. Concurrently, the population decreased from 7,119 in 2010 to 6,449.5 in 2020, a 9.41% decline.
The city has fortunately maintained a consistent record of zero murders throughout the observed period from 2010 to 2020. This statistic is particularly noteworthy given the population decline, as it indicates that the city has managed to maintain public safety in this most serious category of violent crime despite demographic changes.
Rape incidents in the city have shown variability over the years. In 2010, there were 4 reported cases, representing 0.23% of the state's total. The number fluctuated in subsequent years, reaching zero in 2011 and 2013, before peaking at 5 cases in 2015 and 2018. By 2020, there were 4 reported rapes, accounting for 0.12% of the state's total. When adjusted for population, the rate of rape per 1,000 residents increased from 0.56 in 2010 to 0.62 in 2020, indicating a slight upward trend in relation to the city's population.
Robbery trends in the city have been relatively low and sporadic. From 2010 to 2013, there were no reported robberies. The first recorded incident was in 2012, with one case representing 0.01% of the state's total. The highest number of robberies occurred in 2016 with 3 cases, accounting for 0.02% of the state's total. In 2020, there was 1 robbery, again representing 0.01% of the state's total. The robbery rate per 1,000 residents increased from 0 in 2010 to 0.16 in 2020, reflecting a small but noticeable uptick relative to the population.
Aggravated assault has been the most prevalent form of violent crime in the city. In 2010, there were 7 cases, representing 0.03% of the state's total. The number peaked in 2012 with 30 cases (0.12% of state total) before fluctuating in subsequent years. By 2020, there were 21 aggravated assaults, accounting for 0.08% of the state's total. The rate per 1,000 residents increased from 0.98 in 2010 to 3.26 in 2020, indicating a significant rise in relation to the population.
Examining correlations, there appears to be a strong inverse relationship between population density and violent crime rates. As the population density decreased from 1,737 per square mile in 2010 to 1,574 in 2020, violent crime rates generally increased. This suggests that the reduction in population may have had unintended consequences on crime rates.
Racial demographics show a slight correlation with crime trends. The white population percentage decreased marginally from 96% in 2013 to 94% in 2020, while the black population increased from 1% to 3% during the same period. This coincided with the overall increase in violent crime rates, though it's important to note that correlation does not imply causation.
Applying predictive models based on these trends, it's projected that by 2029, the city may see a continued gradual increase in violent crime rates, particularly in aggravated assaults and rapes, if current socio-economic conditions persist. The robbery rate is expected to remain low but may show occasional spikes.
In summary, Fairfield has experienced a complex evolution in its violent crime landscape over the past decade. While maintaining a commendable record of zero murders, the city has seen increases in other categories of violent crime, particularly aggravated assault. These trends, coupled with demographic shifts and decreasing population density, present unique challenges for local law enforcement and community leaders in maintaining public safety and addressing the root causes of crime.