Illinois is notorious for its dangerous cities, with Chicago being the most commonly associated with crime. But did you know that there are other cities in the state that are even more violent than the Windy City? In this article, we will take a look at the worst cities in Illinois, based on their crime rates. Keep reading to find out which cities made the list.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Illinois
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- Danville
- Peoria
- Springfield
- Rockford
- Champaign
- Chicago
- Granite City
- East St. Louis
- Joliet
- Bloomington
1. Danville
Danville, Illinois has been identified as the most dangerous city in the state due to its crime rate, which is 213% higher than the state average. With a population of 30,479, residents of Danville face a 1 in 17 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. The city’s issues with crime are compounded by a lack of opportunities, poor educational institutions, and a low median income. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved in recent months, as Danville has continued to experience a surge in crime that began in 2020 and has persisted through 2022 and into 2023.
2. Peoria
With a population of 113,150 and a crime rate of 4,793 per 100,000 people, Peoria is considered one of the most perilous cities in Illinois. Living in Peoria comes with a high risk of becoming a victim of crime, with the city being 141% more dangerous than the state average. Violent crimes such as gun violence and homicide are prevalent in Peoria, making it an unsafe place for its residents.
3. Springfield
Despite being the capital of Illinois, Springfield is far from being a safe city to live in. Shockingly, it has one of the highest crime rates in the state, with 5,218 crimes reported per 100,000 individuals. This figure is a staggering 122% higher than the average city in the US, making Springfield a highly dangerous place to reside. Unfortunately, Springfield’s residents suffer from rampant property and violent crimes, with over 4,300 cases of property crime recorded this year alone. Assaults and robberies are the most common forms of violent crimes reported in the city in 2021.
4. Rockford
Located in Winnebago County in the northernmost part of Illinois, Rockford is notorious for its high rates of violent crime. With a population of 150,000 people, the city’s crime rate is 92% higher than the US average. Disturbingly, residents have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. Rockford’s violent crime rate is particularly alarming, with murders, robberies, assaults, and gun violence being commonplace.
5. Champaign
Champaign County, with a population of 88,302, is where the city of Champaign is situated. The city has a crime rate of 3,409 per 100,000, which means that residents have a 1 in 30 chance of falling victim to any form of crime. Burglary, theft, robbery, and assault are the most prevalent types of crime in Champaign. Sadly, Champaign is grappling with poverty, with 23% of its population living below the poverty line.
6. Chicago
Chicago, the largest city and cultural hub of Illinois, has a notorious reputation for its high crime rates. The city’s crime rate stands at 3,351 per 100,000 people, which is 67% higher than the national average. Violent crimes, particularly homicide and gun violence, are prevalent in Chicago, with the south side being the most dangerous. Unfortunately, crime in Chicago is increasing, and shootings are becoming more frequent.
7. Granite City
Granite City, a region within the St. Louis area, is home to approximately 28,000 people. Unfortunately, the city has a crime rate of 3,136 per 100,000 individuals, which is 64% higher than the national average. This means that residents face a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. The town’s industrial past, which was once a source of pride, has since faded away, leaving behind poverty and high unemployment rates. As a result, crimes such as assault, robbery, and theft are the most prevalent in the area.
8. East St. Louis
East St. Louis, with a population of 18,469, is notorious for being one of the most violent cities in the United States. It is situated across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. The crime rate in East St. Louis is 2,599 per 100,000 people, which is 31% higher than the Illinois average. In the past, East St. Louis has consistently ranked among the most dangerous cities in Illinois. However, in recent years, the city has witnessed a decrease in crime rates.
9. Joliet
Located 35 miles southwest of Chicago, Joliet boasts a population of 150,362. With a crime rate of 1,965 per 100,000 people, residents face a 1 in 51 chance of falling victim to any type of crime. Although Joliet isn’t classified as a particularly dangerous city, property crimes like burglary and theft are still prevalent occurrences.
10. Bloomington
With a population of 78,680, Bloomington stands as the 13th most populous city in Illinois. The city has a crime rate of 1,899 per 100,000 people and residents face a 1 in 53 chance of being a victim of any kind of crime. According to the latest FBI data from 2021, Bloomington reported four murders, nineteen robberies, 152 assaults, and 141 burglaries.
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