Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Illinois
Illinois, known as the Land of Lincoln, is a Midwestern state with a population of 12.8 million people. While it boasts cultural landmarks, such as Chicago and the Shawnee National Forest, and has been home to several U.S. presidents, including Lincoln, Reagan, and Obama, it also faces significant safety challenges. In 1819, Illinois became the first state to abolish slavery, a proud achievement, but it's unfortunate that it currently ranks as the 19th most dangerous state in the United States. Only 42% of residents feel safe living in the state, and last year, Illinois reported a staggering 238,108 crimes, including 50,103 classified as violent and over 188,000 as property crimes. Here are the ten cities in Illinois contributing significantly to this high crime rate:
10. Joliet, Illinois
Population: 150,362
Crime Rate: 17 crimes per 1,000 people
Joliet, home to two large prisons and the world's first Dairy Queen, has its unique charm but also faces crime challenges. In the past year, it reported 759 violent crimes and 1,731 property crimes. Car theft is a major concern, with over 500 vehicles stolen last year.
9. Aurora, Illinois
Population: 179,266
Aurora, known as the "City of Lights" for its early adoption of electric streetlights, hosts the Hollywood Casino. Unfortunately, it also reports high levels of violent crime, including 6 murders, 135 sexual assaults, and 513 aggravated assaults. Property crimes numbered 1,471, including 154 motor vehicle thefts.
8. Chicago, Illinois
Population: 2.7 million
Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, is known for its cultural diversity, sports teams, and culinary delights. However, it also grapples with alarmingly high crime rates. In the past year, Chicago saw 492 murders, 23,449 violent crimes, and around 65,000 property crimes. The city's large population keeps its average per-person crime rate relatively lower than smaller towns but does not negate the substantial crime challenges it faces.
7. Decatur, Illinois
Population: 70,500
Decatur, once known as the soybean capital of the United States, now struggles with crime issues. With a poverty rate of 24%, the city reported 2,117 crimes in the past year, including 444 violent crimes and 1,673 property crimes. Residents face a 1 in 42 chance of being a victim of property crime.
6. Peoria, Illinois
Population: 115,990
Peoria, a central Illinois city with a major port for produce transportation, has experienced a significant increase in crime in recent years. In 2019, it was ranked as the 15th deadliest city in the country. Last year, the city reported 5,318 crimes, including 1,158 violent offenses, at a rate of 8.7 per 1,000 residents. Factors such as a high school dropout rate of 30% and a poverty rate of 20% contribute to these crime waves.
5. Champaign, Illinois
Population: 88,302
Champaign, home to the University of Illinois and the site of the first Farm Aid concert, faces crime challenges. It reported 1,992 total crimes last year, including 627 violent crimes and 1,365 property crimes. The chances of being a victim of property crime in Champaign are 1 in 65.
4. Springfield, Illinois
Population: 116,745
Springfield, the capital of Illinois and the birthplace of President Lincoln, has many fine attributes but also areas laden with crime. Compared to similar-sized cities, it's safer than only 3% of them. Last year, there were 950 violent crimes and 4,320 property crimes reported. The chances of becoming a crime victim in Springfield are 1 in 22.
3. Mt. Vernon, Illinois
Population: 14,880
Mt. Vernon, a small town located far from Chicago, faces a surprisingly high crime rate based on its population. In the past year, there were a staggering 6,384 reported crimes, including 1,446 violent crimes and 4,939 property crimes. Residents face a 1 in 19 chance of being a victim of theft.
2. Rockford, Illinois
Population: 159,597
Rockford, known for its abundant green spaces, has experienced a significant crime problem. With 6,559 reported crimes in the past year, residents face a 4 in 1,000 chance of being victims. Over 450 cars were stolen last year, and 1,711 violent crimes occurred, making violent crime three times higher than the state average.
1. Danville, Illinois
Population: 32,000
Danville, located 120 miles from Chicago in Vermilion County, is unfortunately the most dangerous place in Illinois and the second most dangerous in the Midwest. Last year, there were 6,220 reported crimes, including 1,749 violent crimes and 4,470 property crimes. The chances of being a victim of violent crime are 1 in 50, and for property crime, it's 1 in 20.
While Illinois offers much to its residents and visitors, it's crucial to stay vigilant and take safety precautions, especially when living in or visiting these cities facing significant crime challenges.