Putnam County Crime & Safety

Putnam County, Illinois

Safety Score

81/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Safe

Total Crime Rate

444.2

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

0.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

444.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

81/100

Higher = safer

State avg 70/100

State Safety Rank

#50

of 100 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Putnam County, Illinois

Putnam County ranks among the safest in the nation

With a total crime rate of 444.2, Putnam County is far safer than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000. Its safety score of 99.3 indicates a very low risk for most residents.

Surpassing Illinois safety benchmarks

Putnam County’s safety score is higher than the state average of 98.7. Its total crime rate is roughly half of the state’s average of 835.0, marking it as a quiet pocket of North-Central Illinois.

Low crime compared to neighboring regions

The county benefits from low population density and active monitoring by three reporting agencies. This combination keeps crime rates significantly lower than those found in nearby urban centers.

Zero violent crimes reported in 2022

Remarkably, Putnam County reported zero violent crimes, compared to a national average of 369.8. All 444.2 incidents per 100,000 people were property-related, such as theft or burglary.

Protecting your property is the priority

Since property crime is the only recorded concern in the county, securing outbuildings and vehicles is vital. Simple locks and lighting are often enough to deter opportunistic property crimes in this safe area.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Putnam County, IL?

Putnam County has a total crime rate of 444.2 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (0.0 per 100K) and property crimes (444.2 per 100K).

Is Putnam County, IL safe?

Putnam County has a safety score of 81/100, rated "Safe". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #50 out of 100 counties in Illinois for safety (1 = safest).

How does Putnam County crime compare to the Illinois average?

What types of crime are most common in Putnam County?

Remarkably, Putnam County reported zero violent crimes, compared to a national average of 369.8. All 444.2 incidents per 100,000 people were property-related, such as theft or burglary.

How is crime data measured and reported for Putnam County?

Crime data for Putnam County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Putnam County safer than the Illinois average?

Putnam County has a safety score of 81/100, which is above the Illinois average of 70/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.