List of Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Illinois With Highest Crime Rate (2023)

The City of Chicago is often the first city that comes to mind when discussing dangerous cities in Illinois. However, several other cities in the state have even higher violence rates than Chicago. If you want to know which cities in Illinois have the worst crime rates, keep reading to find out.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Illinois

Danville

Danville, Illinois, has been deemed the most dangerous city in the state. With a crime rate surging 213% above the state average, it is best to avoid this city. The population of Danville is 30,479, and its residents have a 1 in 17 chance of falling victim to any crime. The city struggles with poor opportunities, poor schools, and a low median income. From 2020 through 2022 and even into 2023, Danville suffered from a historic crime surge that has remained steady, even in recent months.

Peoria

Located in the heart of Illinois, Peoria is known for its high crime rate and is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the state. With a population of over 113,000, the crime rate in Peoria is a staggering 4,793 per 100,000 people. This means that residents are at a very high risk of becoming the victim of a crime, with a 141% higher chance of being a victim than the Illinois average. Unfortunately, violent crimes are prevalent in Peoria, with gun violence and homicide rates particularly concerning.

Springfield

Springfield, the capital of Illinois, may seem like a safe place, but the reality is quite different. According to statistics, it is one of the most violent cities in the state, with a crime rate of 5,218 per 100,000 people. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is 122% more dangerous than the average city in the US. The town is plagued by high violent and property crime rates, with over 4,300 property crime incidents reported in 2021 alone. Assaults and robberies were the most common violent crimes in the same year. These alarming figures paint a worrying picture of the safety situation in Springfield.

Rockford

Located in the northernmost part of Illinois in Winnebago County, Rockford is infamous for being one of the most dangerous cities in the state. With a population of 150,000, the city has a staggering crime rate, 92% higher than the national average. Unfortunately, residents of Rockford have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. The high rates of violent crime in Rockford are a significant concern as the city has a disproportionately high rate of murders, robberies, assaults, and gun violence.

Champaign

Located in Champaign County, the city of Champaign has a population of 88,302. Unfortunately, the city also has a high crime rate of 3,409 per 100,000 residents, which means that individuals have a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. The most prevalent crimes in Champaign include burglary, theft, robbery, and assault. Moreover, poverty is also a significant challenge for the city, with 23% of its population living below the poverty line.

Chicago

Chicago, the cultural hub and largest city of Illinois, is unfortunately known for its high crime rates. With a crime rate of 3,351 per 100,000 people, which is 67% higher than the national average, Chicago has an alarming incidence of violent crimes, particularly homicides and gun violence. The south side of the city is generally considered the most dangerous area. Moreover, crime rates in Chicago are on the rise, with shootings becoming increasingly common. It’s a concerning issue that needs to be addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors.

Granite City

Granite City, a part of the St. Louis area, is home to around 28,000 residents. Unfortunately, the city has a high crime rate of 3,136 per 100,000 people, which is 64% higher than the national average. This means that the chances of becoming a victim of any crime are 1 in 32 for the residents. The town’s industrial past is long gone, and it is currently struggling with poverty and unemployment. The most common crimes reported in Granite City include assault, robbery, and theft.

East St. Louis

East St. Louis is a city that has gained notoriety as one of the most violent cities in the United States. It is across the Mississippi River from St. Louis and has a population of 18,469. The city has a crime rate of 2,599 per 100,000 people, 31% higher than the Illinois average. East St. Louis has been consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois. However, in recent times, the crime rates have shown a slowdown.

Joliet

Joliet, a city with a population of 150,362, is just 35 miles southwest of Chicago. Although not categorized as a dangerous city, the crime rate in Joliet is 1,965 per 100,000 individuals, with a 1 in 51 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. Unfortunately, property crimes such as burglary and theft are still prevalent in the city.

Bloomington

Bloomington, a city in Illinois, has a population of 78,680 and is ranked as the 13th most populous city in the state. Regarding safety, the city has a crime rate of 1,899 per 100,000 residents, meaning there is a 1 in 53 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. According to the latest FBI data from 2021, there were four murders, nineteen robberies, 152 assaults, and 141 burglaries reported in Bloomington.

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