Last Updated on January 31, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
If you’re looking for a place to avoid, look no further than Illinois. According to recent reports, the Prairie State is home to some of the most dangerous cities in the country.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the 19 most dangerous cities in Illinois. If you’re living or planning on traveling to one of these cities, be sure to take extra precautions!
1. Aurora.
Population: 199,963 (2018)
Crime rate: Aurora’s violent crime rate of 708 incidents per 100,000 people is higher than the national average. Property crimes are also above average in Aurora with 4,067 occurrences per 100,000 people each year.
2. Bloomington
Population: 85,200
Ranking: 8th most dangerous city in Illinois
Bloomington is the county seat of McLean County and a part of the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area. Although it has a small population compared to other cities in the state, its crime levels are high and it ranks as the eighth most dangerous city in Illinois.
Violent crime rates in Bloomington are almost twice the national average, with property crimes being 1.6 times higher than the average. Burglaries and larceny-theft occur frequently in this city and residents need to take extra safety precautions to protect themselves.
The police force has seen a major staffing shortage over the past few years which has led to a decrease in crime prevention and response times.
The city has taken steps to increase public safety, such as increasing the police force, installing surveillance cameras throughout downtown, and hosting community meetings. Despite these efforts, Bloomington remains one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois.
3. Cahokia
Population: 15,241
Cahokia is a city located in southwestern Illinois and was once the largest urban settlement in North America prior to European contact. The city has been labeled as one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois with an elevated crime rate for both violent and property crimes.
In 2016, Cahokia’s crime rate per 1,000 people showed an average of 15.59 violent crimes and 64.38 property crimes.
The city has had a troubling history with drug-related crime, gang violence, and robberies against visitors.
As a result, residents are encouraged to take extra safety precautions when out in public or traveling through the city limits.
4. Centralia
Population: 1,186
Centralia is an abandoned coal mining town located in the southern part of Illinois. It gained notoriety in the 1980s due to a deadly underground mine fire that has been burning since 1962, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois.
The fire has caused numerous sinkholes and other hazardous conditions to be present throughout Centralia, making it an incredibly dangerous place for residents and visitors.
The town’s remaining population is quickly dwindling due to the hazardous conditions, with the population now standing at only 1,186 as of 2019.
No one knows when or if the fire will be put out, so Centralia remains a highly hazardous area in Illinois that should be avoided by all means.
5. Champaign
Population: 87,459
Crime Rate: The Champaign crime rate is somewhat higher than the Illinois average crime rate and is much higher than the national average.
In 2019, the violent crime rate was 868 per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than both the state and national averages.
Property crimes such as burglary and theft occur more often in Champaign than the national average, with 6,766 incidents per 100,000 people in 2019.
6. Chicago
Population: 2,700,000
Chicago is the most populous city in Illinois and one of the most dangerous cities in the state. According to a report by the FBI, Chicago has seen a significant increase in violent crime since 2016.
In 2019 alone, there were 496 homicides reported in Chicago – which was more than double that of any other city in the state.
In addition to homicides, Chicago also has high rates of aggravated assaults, robberies, and other forms of violent crime. The city also has a significant gang presence, and is home to many of the most notorious gangs in the country.
7. Danville
- Population: 30,552
- Violent crime rate: 1,067 per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 4,837 per 100,000 people
Danville is a city in Vermilion County, Illinois. It is the county seat of Vermilion County and the principal city of the Danville, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.
In 2019, the city had a total population of 30,552 and a violent crime rate of 1,067 incidents per 100,000 people. The property crime rate was 4,837 incidents for every 100,000 people living in Danville that same year.
The most common crimes reported in Danville are burglary (1,039 incidents per 100,000 people), larceny-theft (3,658 incidents per 100,000 people), and motor vehicle theft (120 incidents per 100,000 people). The city reported a total of 14 murders in 2019.
8. Decatur
Population: 76,122
Decatur is known as one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois. The city has a high rate of violent crime, with 585 incidents per 100,000 people reported in 2018.
Property crime is also an issue in Decatur, with 3,588 incidents for every 100,000 residents reported during the same period.
Crimes such as burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson are particularly common. Drug abuse is also a problem in the city, as many residents struggle with addiction.
9. East St. Louis
- Population: 27,006
- Crime rate: 19% above the national average
East St. Louis has a very high crime rate. Violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault occur frequently in this city.
The overall crime rate is 19 percent higher than the national average, which means it’s one of the more dangerous cities in Illinois. The poverty rate here is also high, and the city has a higher-than-average unemployment rate.
This puts many people in a desperate situation and can lead to crime out of necessity. There have been multiple cases of police officers being shot at while responding to calls in recent years, highlighting the dangerous nature of this city.
10. Granite
- Population: 8,599
Granite is located in Illinois and is known to be one of the most dangerous cities in the state. The crime rate in this city is exceptionally high, with a violent crime rate being 813 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate at 6,004 per 100,000 people.
Although it has a small population, the high crime rate makes Granite one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois.
11. Joliet
- Population: 147,621
Joliet is a city in Illinois that has been regarded as one of the most dangerous cities in the state.
According to Neighborhood Scout, it has a violent crime rate that is three times higher than the national average and five times higher than the state average.
Property crime is also higher than both averages by two and four times respectively. This is likely due to the fact that Joliet has a relatively high poverty rate compared to the rest of Illinois.
The city also ranks quite low in terms of education and overall quality of life, adding to its reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in the state.
12. Kankakee
Population: 27,547
Kankakee is a city located in the state of Illinois. It is the county seat of Kankakee County and has been ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the state. In recent years, there have been a high number of violent crimes reported, including homicides and assaults.
The city also has a high rate of property crime, including burglary and theft. In order to keep its citizens safe, the city has implemented a number of safety protocols as well as increased police presence in troubled areas.
The city also provides resources for residents to help them stay safe and secure while living in Kankakee.
13. Metropolis
Population: 6,460
Metropolis is a city in Massac County, Illinois. It has been listed as one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois for its high crime rate. In 2018 alone, there were over 200 violent crimes reported, including several homicides and robberies.
The city also struggles with drugs and alcohol abuse, which contribute to an increase in criminal activity.
Metropolis is home to a large number of people living in poverty, and the local government has been unable to provide resources or services necessary to reduce crime in the city.
14. Mount Vernon
Population: 15,277
Mount Vernon is a city located in Southern Illinois and is one of the most dangerous cities in the state. The violent crime rate in Mount Vernon is 10 times higher than the national average.
In 2019, there were over 30 homicides reported, making it one of the deadliest cities in southern Illinois.
Drug use and abuse are also major issues in the city, along with gang activity and other forms of organized crime. As a result, Mount Vernon is considered to be one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois.
15. Peoria
Population: 116,575
Peoria has been on the list of dangerous cities in Illinois since 2010. In 2019, Peoria recorded 1,723 violent crimes and 11,064 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Ranked second among all cities in the state for the most violent crime per capita that year. The highest number of reported incidents included aggravated assault, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft.
16. Quincy
Population: 40,633
Quincy is located in Adams County and has the highest crime rate in Illinois. Violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault are common occurrences in this city.
In 2019, Quincy reported 566 violent crimes per 100,000 residents – more than double the national average. Property crimes such as burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson are also on the rise in Quincy.
The city reported 5,244 property crimes per 100,000 people in 2019 – significantly higher than the national average of 2,199 incidents per 100,000 people.
In addition to high crime rates, Quincy has a poverty rate of 23%, which is higher than the national average. This economic strain could be a factor in influencing criminal behavior in the city. As such, Quincy is deemed one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois and should be avoided by tourists.
17. Rockford
Population: 150,251
Rockford is the third-largest city in Illinois and is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the state. The violent crime rate here is well above average with 1084.5 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Additionally, Rockford has a higher property crime rate than both the national and state averages at 3882 cases per 100,000 people.
Motor vehicle theft is especially high in Rockford with 711 per 100,000 reported cases. The city has recent measures to reduce crime and increase safety, but the statistics still remain high.
18. Springfield
- Population: 116,250
- Crime Rate: 4 out of 100
Springfield is the state capital of Illinois and home to over 116,000 people. Despite its population size, Springfield has one of the highest crime rates in the state with a rate of 4 out of 100.
The city experiences high levels of property crime including burglary and theft as well as violent crime such as assault and homicide.
The city has a higher than average poverty rate and police are struggling to keep up with the rising levels of criminal activity. Residents should be aware of their surroundings when visiting Springfield and take extra precautions when venturing out at night.
19. Wood River
Population: 9,215
Located in Madison County, Wood River is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois. The city has a high rate of violent crime with 309 incidents reported per 100,000 people each year.
It also has some of the highest rates of property crime in the state. With a total of 6,568 reported incidents per 100,000 population, it’s no surprise that Wood River is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois. The city has also been linked to gang activity and drug-related problems.
Related:
- The 34 Most Dangerous Cities in New Jersey
- 24 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in New York City
- The 69 Most Dangerous Cities in the US
Conclusion
It is clear that Illinois is a state with many cities that have their unique issues. However, some of them are more dangerous than others. The cities of Chicago, East Saint Louis, Rockford, and Decatur all stand out in terms of having higher crime rates compared to other places in the state.
Regardless of your reasons for visiting or living in these cities, it is important to take reasonable safety precautions. It’s also important to remember that not all of Illinois is dangerous; many of the state’s cities are quite safe and enjoyable places to live or visit.
Taking the time to research any destination before you go can help you make informed decisions about where to stay and what areas to avoid. By doing this, you can ensure that your stay in Illinois is a safe and enjoyable one.