Loading Content...
Violent Crime Trends in Lacon, Illinois: A Study of Fluctuations Amidst Population Decline
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Loading Content...
Crime
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Lacon, located in Illinois, presents an intriguing case study in violent crime trends. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of violent crimes fluctuated, with a notable increase from 1 incident in 2010 to 5 incidents in 2022, representing a 400% increase. During this same period, the population declined from 2,980 in 2010 to 2,664 in 2022, a decrease of approximately 10.6%.
Examining murder trends, Lacon has maintained a consistently low rate, with zero reported cases throughout the analyzed period from 2010 to 2022. This stability in the absence of murders is particularly noteworthy given the population decline. The murder rate per 1,000 people has remained at 0, and the city's contribution to the state's murder statistics has been 0% throughout this period. This consistent absence of murders speaks to the relative safety of the community in terms of the most severe form of violent crime.
Rape incidents in the city have been sporadic. The data shows only one reported rape in 2014 and another in 2022. This translates to a rate of approximately 0.35 rapes per 1,000 people in 2014 and 0.38 per 1,000 in 2022. The percentage of state rape crimes attributed to Lacon was 0.03% in both years. While any occurrence of rape is concerning, the infrequency of these incidents suggests that it is not a persistent problem in the community.
Robbery trends in Lacon have been minimal. The data indicates only one reported robbery in 2020, which accounted for 0.01% of the state's robberies that year. This single incident translates to a rate of about 0.37 robberies per 1,000 people in 2020. The rarity of robberies in the city points to a generally low risk of this type of crime for residents and businesses.
Aggravated assault has been the most prevalent form of violent crime in Lacon. The number of aggravated assaults varied from year to year, with a low of 0 in 2016 and a high of 4 in 2018 and 2022. In 2022, the rate of aggravated assaults was approximately 1.5 per 1,000 people, accounting for 0.03% of the state's total. The fluctuation in aggravated assault numbers, with an overall increasing trend, warrants attention from local law enforcement and community leaders.
There appears to be a correlation between the increase in violent crimes, particularly aggravated assaults, and changes in racial demographics. The data shows a slight decrease in the white population from 99% in 2013 to 96% in 2022, with small increases in other racial groups. This coincides with the overall increase in violent crimes. Additionally, there's a potential correlation between rising median rent, which increased from $538 in 2013 to $823 in 2022, and the uptick in violent crimes.
Applying predictive models to forecast violent crime trends for the next five years (up to 2029), we might expect to see a continued gradual increase in overall violent crimes, primarily driven by aggravated assaults. If current trends persist, the city could potentially see 6-7 violent crimes annually by 2029, with aggravated assaults likely comprising the majority of these incidents.
In summary, Lacon has experienced a significant percentage increase in violent crimes from 2010 to 2022, despite a decreasing population. The most notable trend is the rise in aggravated assaults, while murder rates have remained at zero. The city's changing demographics and increasing housing costs may be factors influencing these trends. As Lacon moves forward, addressing the root causes of aggravated assaults and maintaining the low rates of other violent crimes will be crucial for ensuring community safety and well-being.
