List Of Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Illinois (2023)

Illinois is known for its high crime rates, and while Chicago is often the first city that comes to mind, several other cities in the state are even more dangerous. If you’re curious about which cities have the highest crime rates, keep reading to discover the worst towns in Illinois, ranked by their crime statistics.

Most Dangerous Cities in Illinois

1. Danville

Danville, Illinois, has been identified as the most dangerous city in the state, with a crime rate that is 213% higher than the state average. This alarming statistic makes Danville a town to avoid for those who value safety and security. With a population of 30,479, residents in Danville have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. The city is plagued by a lack of opportunities, poor schools, and a low median income, contributing to the high crime rate. Disturbingly, Danville has experienced a historic surge in crime from 2020 through 2022, which has remained constant even in recent months.

2. Peoria

Located in central Illinois, Peoria is considered one of the most difficult cities in the state. With a population of 113,150, the city has a crime rate of 4,793 per 100,000 people, making it highly probable for residents to become victims of crime. Peoria is 141% more dangerous than the Illinois average. Violent crimes are particularly rampant in the city, with gun violence and homicide rates being alarmingly high.

3. Springfield

While it may be the capital of Illinois, Springfield is far from safe. It’s considered one of the most violent cities in the state, with a staggering crime rate of 5,218 per 100,000 people. To put things into perspective, Springfield is 122% more dangerous than the average US city. Sadly, violent and property crimes are all too common in Springfield. In 2021 alone, there were over 4,300 reported incidents of property crime. Regarding violent crimes, assaults and robberies were the most frequently reported.

4. Rockford

Rockford, located in the northernmost part of Illinois, is infamous for having one of the state’s highest violent crime rates. With a population of 150,000 people, the crime rate in Rockford is a staggering 92% higher than the US average. Unfortunately, residents of Rockford have a 1 in 23 chance of falling victim to any crime. Even more alarming is that Rockford has a disproportionately high violent crime rate, with murders, robberies, assaults, and gun violence being common occurrences.

5. Champaign

Champaign County is the home of the city of Champaign, which has a population of 88,302 residents. The city has a crime rate of 3,409 per 100,000 people, resulting in a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. Burglary, theft, robbery, and assault are this area’s most commonly reported crimes. Unfortunately, Champaign is also grappling with poverty, with 23% of its population living below the poverty line.

6. Chicago

Unfortunately, Chicago, the cultural hub and largest city in Illinois, is known for its disturbingly high crime rates. The city has a staggering crime rate of 3,351 per 100,000 people – 67% higher than the national average. Violent crimes, including gun violence and homicide, are highly prevalent in Chicago, with the south side being the most dangerous area. Dishearteningly, the crime rate in Chicago is continuously increasing, with shootings becoming all too common.

7. Granite City

In the St. Louis area, Granite City is home to around 28,000 residents. Unfortunately, the city’s crime rate is 3,136 per 100,000 people, a staggering 64% higher than the national average. With odds of 1 in 32, residents are at a significant risk of becoming victims of any crime. Although Granite City was once an industrial hotspot, the town has suffered from poverty and unemployment in recent years. Sadly, crimes such as assault, robbery, and theft are too common in this area.

8. East St. Louis 

Located on the opposite side of the Mississippi River from St. Louis, East St. Louis is often labelled as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. Despite having a population of only 18,469, the city has a crime rate of 2,599 per 100,000 people, which is 31% higher than the Illinois average. Although East St. Louis has consistently ranked among the most violent cities in Illinois, the city has witnessed a reduction in crime rates in recent years.

9. Joliet

Situated 35 miles southwest of Chicago, Joliet is home to 150,362 residents. The city has a crime rate of 1,965 per 100,000 people, meaning residents have a 1 in 51 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. Although Joliet is not considered a dangerous city, property crimes such as burglary and theft still occur frequently.

10. Bloomington

With a population of 78,680, Bloomington is ranked as Illinois’s 13th most populous city. Unfortunately, the city also has a relatively high crime rate of 1,899 per 100,000 people, meaning residents have a 1 in 53 chance of being victimized. According to the latest available data from the FBI, in 2021, Bloomington experienced four murders, nineteen robberies, 152 assaults, and 141 burglaries. These figures paint a concerning picture of the city’s safety and security.

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