According to Propertyclub, When it comes to dangerous cities in Illinois, most people immediately think of Chicago. However, there are actually several cities in the state that have even higher crime rates than Chicago. In this article, we will explore the worst cities in Illinois, ranked based on their crime rates.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Illinois
This Article Includes
-
- Danville
- Peoria
- Springfield
- Rockford
- Champaign
- Chicago
- Granite City
- East St. Louis
- Joliet
- Bloomington
1. Danville
Danville, Illinois, holds the unfortunate title of being the most dangerous city in the state. Its crime rate surpasses the state average by a staggering 213%, making it a place to steer clear of. With a population of 30,479, the residents of Danville face a 1 in 17 chance of falling victim to various crimes. The city grapples with a dearth of opportunities, subpar educational institutions, and a low median income. Adding to its woes, Danville has endured a significant surge in crime since 2020, which has persisted well into 2023.
2. Peoria
Peoria, situated in central Illinois, holds the dubious distinction of being one of the most perilous cities in the state. With a population of 113,150, the crime rate stands at 4,793 per 100,000 people. Unfortunately, residents of Peoria are highly susceptible to falling victim to crimes, as the town is 141% more dangerous than the Illinois average. Disturbingly, Peoria experiences a significant number of violent crimes, particularly gun violence and homicides.
3. Springfield
Springfield, the capital of Illinois, may hold significance, but its safety is questionable. Surprisingly, Springfield ranks among the most violent cities in Illinois, with a crime rate of 5,218 per 100,000 people. With a population of 114,394, Springfield proves to be 122% more dangerous than the average city in the US. The prevalence of violent and property crimes is alarming, with over 4,300 property crime incidents reported in 2021 alone. Among the various types of violent crimes, assaults and robberies remain the most common.
4. Rockford
Rockford, located in Winnebago County in the northernmost part of Illinois, is considered one of the worst cities in the state due to its alarming rates of violent crime. With a population of 150,000 people, Rockford’s crime rate is a staggering 92% higher than the national average. This means that residents of Rockford have a 1 in 23 chance of falling victim to any type of crime. Unfortunately, this city has a significantly higher rate of violent crimes, including murders, robberies, assaults, and incidents of gun violence.
5. Champaign
Champaign County is home to the city of Champaign, which has a population of 88,302. In terms of crime, Champaign has a rate of 3,409 incidents per 100,000 people. This means that residents face a 1 in 30 chance of falling victim to a crime. The most prevalent crimes in Champaign include burglary, theft, robbery, and assault. Additionally, poverty is a significant issue for the city, with 23% of its population living below the poverty line.
6. Chicago
Chicago, the largest city in Illinois and a cultural hub, has gained notoriety for its alarming crime rates. With a crime rate of 3,351 per 100,000 people, which is 67% higher than the national average, Chicago faces significant challenges in ensuring public safety. Violent crimes, particularly homicides and gun violence, are prevalent in the city. In particular, the south side of Chicago is known to have higher crime rates compared to other areas. Unfortunately, the incidence of crime in Chicago is on the rise, with shootings becoming increasingly frequent occurrences.
7. Granite City
Granite City, a part of the St. Louis area, is home to a population of 28,000 people. The city has a crime rate of 3,136 per 100,000 residents, which is 64% higher than the national average. This means that the residents of Granite City face a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. Sadly, the town has seen a decline in its industrial past, resulting in high poverty and unemployment rates. As a consequence, crimes such as assault, robbery, and theft are prevalent in the area.
8. East St. Louis
East St. Louis is often regarded as one of the most violent cities in the country. With a population of 18,469, it is situated just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. The crime rate in East St. Louis stands at 2,599 per 100,000 people, which is 31% higher than the Illinois average. Over the years, East St. Louis has consistently ranked among the most dangerous cities in Illinois, although there has been a recent decline in crime rates within the city.
9. Joliet
Joliet, situated 35 miles southwest of Chicago, is notorious for being one of the most perilous cities in Illinois. With a population of 150,362, Joliet has a crime rate of 1,965 per 100,000 people. This means that residents face a 1 in 51 chance of falling victim to any kind of crime. Although Joliet is not classified as an extremely hazardous city, it still experiences a considerable number of property crimes, including burglary and theft.
10. Bloomington
Bloomington, Illinois, is home to a population of 78,680, making it the 13th most populous city in the state. Unfortunately, the city also has a crime rate of 1,899 incidents per 100,000 people. This means that residents of Bloomington have a 1 in 53 chance of falling victim to some form of crime. In 2021, according to the latest FBI data available, there were four reported murders, nineteen robberies, 152 assaults, and 141 burglaries in Bloomington.
