Illinois, a state with a rich history and diverse terrain, faces its own set of safety challenges. Certain cities have greater crime rates, making them stand out for their security issues. This study digs into the seven most hazardous cities in Illinois, where crime rates have received widespread attention.
From violent assaults to property crimes, these communities face a variety of challenges that affect their safety and inhabitants’ quality of life. We hope that by investigating these areas, we will be able to present a more complete view of Illinois’ safety landscape, allowing residents and visitors to stay informed and make better decisions.
Join us as we discover the cities where caution is urged and community involvement is critical for progress.
1. Danville
- Population: 28,480.
- Violent Crimes per 100,000: 1,755 (third most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100,000: 4,820 (Most risky).
- Murders: Four.
While Mount Vernon is the state’s most hazardous city, Danville is the most violent place in Illinois. In 2022, Danville had an average of one homicide per month, ranking 30th in the state. With so much live-action bloodshed going on every day, it’s no surprise that the Vermilion County War Museum is one of Danville’s top attractions.
It’s not like Danville doesn’t have its fair share of property crime; each year, homeowners stand a one-in-20 chance of having their belongings damaged or stolen.
2. Calumet Park
- Population: 6,711.
- Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 983 (Ninth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100,000: 4,351 (fourth most hazardous).
- Murders: Four.
Calumet Park is the second most dangerous location to live in Illinois. With a violent crime rate of 983/100k and a property crime rate of 4,351/100k, the threats to inhabitants are clear. The village’s 66 occurrences of violent crime, including four killings, and 292 property offenses highlight the issues that local law enforcement faces.
3. Peoria
- Population: 110,551.
- Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 1,188 (sixth most dangerous).
- Property Crimes per 100,000: 3,137 (13th most harmful).
- Murders: 24.
Peoria is Illinois’ third most dangerous place. Peoria is regarded for having one of the most gorgeous highways in the country, Grand View Drive, but with 602 car thefts in 2022, we wonder how many individuals got to experience it while driving their own automobiles.
Peoria was also classified as Illinois’ sixth most violent city, with 24 murders and a one-in-84 probability of being attacked in 2022.
4. Springfield
- Population: 112, 549
- Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 770 (18th most hazardous).
- Property Crimes Per 100,000: 4,244 (fifth most hazardous).
- Murders: Seven.
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Springfield, where the Simpsons reside, isn’t in Illinois, based on the fact that there’s only one dumb criminal at work. I’m also guessing that Abraham Lincoln would be upset with the current state of events in Springfield.
Springfield has one of the highest rates of violent crime and property crime in the state, with 4,777 occurrences of theft, burglary, and vandalism, as well as 867 attacks and murders.
5. Hazel Crest
- Population: 12,849
- Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 731 (19th most dangerous).
- Property Crimes per 100,000: 3,424 (Ninth most harmful)
- Murders: three.
Hazel Crest is the seventh most dangerous location to live in Illinois. Residents confront high risks, with a violent crime rate of 731/100,000 and a property crime rate of 3,424/100,000.
Hazel Crest, located in Cook County, faces moderate crime concerns. The village’s advantageous location in the state, near key transportation hubs such as Interstate 80 and the Tri-State Tollway, might be exploited for economic expansion, potentially helping to reduce crime rates over time.
6. Carbondale
- Population: 21,612
- Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 786 (16th most dangerous)
- Property Crimes per 100,000: 3,146 (12th most dangerous).
- Murders: Four.
Carbondale wasn’t even in the top twenty most dangerous places in Illinois last year, so hopefully they can get crime under control and drop off the list by next year. In 2022, the city in southern Illinois experienced 680 property crimes.
Furthermore, Carbondale has the eighth highest rate of rape cases in Illinois, with one occurring roughly every week on average. The city also had roughly two serious assault cases per week.
7. Alton
- Population: 25,212.
- Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 908 (13th most dangerous).
- Property Crimes per 100,000: 3,121 (15th most dangerous).
- Murders: One
Alton, located roughly 20 miles north of St. Louis, ranks as Illinois’ ninth most dangerous place to live.
Alton’s overall crime rate is almost 70% higher than the national average, and it ranks 13th in Illinois for violent crime.
Alton experienced an aggravated assault every other day on average. Just be grateful that the monument of the world’s tallest man, Alton’s native son, has not come to life and begun committing crimes. At over nine feet tall, that would be truly frightening.
