Illinois, a state filled with attractions and opportunities, varies in its cities’ desirability and safety. Among them, Mount Vernon stands out as one of the least favorable destinations.
What Makes Mount Vernon So Bad?
Nestled in Jefferson County, Mount Vernon is home to roughly 14,880 people and is located about 80 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri. While it boasts scenic views and historical landmarks, it also grapples with a significant crime problem that compromises the safety and well-being of its residents.
FBI statistics label Mount Vernon as the 10th most dangerous city in Illinois and the 13th most dangerous city in the entire nation. The violent crime rate is alarmingly high at 1,446 incidents per 100,000 residents, surpassing the state average by 163% and the national average by 222%.
Property crime, too, is a concern, with a rate of 4,939 incidents per 100,000 people, exceeding the state average by 76% and the national average by 85%.
Consequently, Mount Vernon residents face a 1 in 65 chance of falling victim to violent crime and a 1 in 19 chance of being affected by property crime. Predominant crimes in the city include theft, assault, and burglary, with reported cases of rape and robbery as well.
What Are the Causes and Consequences of Mount Vernon’s Crime Problem?
Several factors underpin Mount Vernon’s crime problem, including poverty, unemployment, education, and drug abuse. The city’s poverty rate is notably high at 24.3%, nearly double the state average of 12.6%, while the unemployment rate stands at 7.4%, exceeding the state average of 6.2%.
Additionally, the high school graduation rate in Mount Vernon is 84.5%, falling below the state average of 88.6%. The median household income of $34,464 is less than half of the state average of $65,886.
These economic and social challenges create a cycle of despair and desperation, which leads some individuals to resort to crime as a means of survival or escape. Crime, in turn, adversely affects the quality of life in the city, driving down property values, discouraging investment and development, reducing tax revenues, increasing public spending on law enforcement and corrections, and undermining trust and social cohesion within the community.
What Can Be Done to Improve Mount Vernon’s Situation?
Addressing Mount Vernon’s crime problem necessitates a comprehensive, collaborative approach that tackles both its root causes and effects. Several potential strategies that may enhance the city’s situation include:
- Enhancing Law Enforcement: Increasing the number of police officers, providing them with proper training and equipment, and fostering positive community relationships.
- Investing in Education and Youth Programs: Improving school quality and accessibility, offering after-school and summer activities, and providing mentoring and counseling services for at-risk students.
- Promoting Economic Development: Attracting and supporting businesses, providing incentives to entrepreneurs, and expanding workforce opportunities.
- Strengthening Social Services: Expanding access to healthcare, mental health, substance abuse, and housing services, and establishing a network of agencies to support vulnerable populations.
- Encouraging Civic Engagement: Involving residents and stakeholders in decision-making, creating platforms for dialogue, and celebrating community achievements.
Conclusion
Mount Vernon, a city in Illinois, has been designated as one of the country’s worst cities due to its high crime rates and low quality of life. The city faces numerous challenges that require a holistic and cooperative approach to overcome. Implementing some of the suggested strategies could potentially reduce its crime problem and make Mount Vernon a safer and more desirable place for both residents and visitors.