Illinois's 25 Most Dangerous Cities - Updated 2023

Unmasking Illinois's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in total crime

Author: CrimeData.io Research Team

In a world filled with both promise and peril, understanding the areas where safety concerns loom large becomes crucial. Join us on an eye-opening expedition as we uncover the 25 most dangerous cities across Illinois. From bustling urban hubs to underprivileged neighborhoods, these communities grapple with security challenges that demand attention.

Where does the crime data come from?

This comprehensive list of the safest and most dangerous cities in Illinois is backed by credible data sourced directly from the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NBIRS). By relying on this authoritative database, we ensure that the information presented here is not only accurate but also up-to-date. The FBI's NBIRS system is a trusted source for crime statistics, providing valuable insights into the security landscapes of cities and communities across the nation.

How do we rank the cities?

Our ranking system is based on the total number of crimes reported in each city. We then calculated the crime rate per 100,000 population for each city. The cities with the lowest crime rates were ranked as the safest cities in Illinois. Conversely, the cities with the highest crime rates were ranked as the most dangerous cities in Illinois.

To ensure the relevance and accuracy of our rankings, this list includes only cities and communities in Illinois with a population of more than 5,000 residents. This population threshold allows us to focus on areas where a significant number of people live and work, providing a meaningful perspective on safety for the majority of our readers.

The data presented in this report spans a period from 2012 to 2021. By aggregating information over this decade, we gain valuable insights into the trends and changes in safety and crime rates within Illinois. This long-term perspective allows us to identify both short-term fluctuations and broader patterns, providing a comprehensive view of the security landscape in the state.

#25 Alsip

County: Cook

2,121

Crime per 100,000 population

-47.12%

vs. Illinois average

-27.14%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Alsip from 2012 to 2022

Alsip is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 19,036. The total crime rate in Alsip is based on the nearest law agency agency, Alsip Police Department (IL0160100). Alsip total crime rate is 2,121 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Alsip

#24 Steger

County: Cook

2,296

Crime per 100,000 population

-42.76%

vs. Illinois average

-21.14%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Steger from 2012 to 2022

Steger is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 9,568. The total crime rate in Steger is based on the nearest law agency agency, Steger Police Department (IL0168A00). Steger total crime rate is 2,296 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Steger

#23 Carpentersville

County: Kane

2,320

Crime per 100,000 population

-42.18%

vs. Illinois average

-20.33%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Carpentersville from 2012 to 2022

Carpentersville is an area in Kane, Illinois with population of 37,940. The total crime rate in Carpentersville is based on the nearest law agency agency, East Dundee Police Department (IL0450400). Carpentersville total crime rate is 2,320 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Carpentersville

#22 Herrin

County: Williamson

2,411

Crime per 100,000 population

-39.91%

vs. Illinois average

-17.2%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Herrin from 2012 to 2022

Herrin is an area in Williamson, Illinois with population of 12,398. The total crime rate in Herrin is based on the nearest law agency agency, Herrin Police Department (IL1000200). Herrin total crime rate is 2,411 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Herrin

#21 Harvey

County: Cook

2,423

Crime per 100,000 population

-39.62%

vs. Illinois average

-16.8%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Harvey from 2012 to 2022

Harvey is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 20,751. The total crime rate in Harvey is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dixmoor Police Department (IL0162600). Harvey total crime rate is 2,423 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Harvey

#20 Riverdale

County: Cook

2,450

Crime per 100,000 population

-38.94%

vs. Illinois average

-15.86%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Riverdale from 2012 to 2022

Riverdale is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 10,909. The total crime rate in Riverdale is based on the nearest law agency agency, Riverdale Police Department (IL0169300). Riverdale total crime rate is 2,450 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Riverdale

#19 Granite City

County: Madison

2,551

Crime per 100,000 population

-36.41%

vs. Illinois average

-12.39%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Granite City from 2012 to 2022

Granite City is an area in Madison, Illinois with population of 27,336. The total crime rate in Granite City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Granite City Police Department (IL0600700). Granite City total crime rate is 2,551 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Granite City

#18 Zion

County: Lake

2,563

Crime per 100,000 population

-36.12%

vs. Illinois average

-11.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Zion from 2012 to 2022

Zion is an area in Lake, Illinois with population of 24,660. The total crime rate in Zion is based on the nearest law agency agency, Zion Police Department (IL0492300). Zion total crime rate is 2,563 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Zion

#17 Beach Park

County: Lake

2,563

Crime per 100,000 population

-36.12%

vs. Illinois average

-11.98%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Beach Park from 2012 to 2022

Beach Park is an area in Lake, Illinois with population of 13,634. The total crime rate in Beach Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Zion Police Department (IL0492300). Beach Park total crime rate is 2,563 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Beach Park

#16 Markham

County: Cook

2,703

Crime per 100,000 population

-32.63%

vs. Illinois average

-7.17%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Markham from 2012 to 2022

Markham is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 11,733. The total crime rate in Markham is based on the nearest law agency agency, Markham Police Department (IL0166500). Markham total crime rate is 2,703 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Markham

#15 Chicago Ridge

County: Cook

2,895

Crime per 100,000 population

-27.84%

vs. Illinois average

-0.57%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Chicago Ridge from 2012 to 2022

Chicago Ridge is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 14,413. The total crime rate in Chicago Ridge is based on the nearest law agency agency, Chicago Ridge Police Department (IL0162000). Chicago Ridge total crime rate is 2,895 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chicago Ridge

#14 Hillside

County: Cook

2,938

Crime per 100,000 population

-26.78%

vs. Illinois average

+0.88%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Hillside from 2012 to 2022

Hillside is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 8,286. The total crime rate in Hillside is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hillside Police Department (IL0164700). Hillside total crime rate is 2,938 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hillside

#13 Matteson

County: Cook

3,069

Crime per 100,000 population

-23.5%

vs. Illinois average

+5.41%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Matteson from 2012 to 2022

Matteson is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 19,047. The total crime rate in Matteson is based on the nearest law agency agency, Matteson Police Department (IL0166600). Matteson total crime rate is 3,069 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Matteson

#12 Oak Park

County: Cook

3,295

Crime per 100,000 population

-17.87%

vs. Illinois average

+13.16%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Oak Park from 2012 to 2022

Oak Park is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 54,100. The total crime rate in Oak Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Forest Park Police Department (IL0163500). Oak Park total crime rate is 3,295 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Oak Park

#11 Forest Park

County: Cook

3,295

Crime per 100,000 population

-17.87%

vs. Illinois average

+13.16%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Forest Park from 2012 to 2022

Forest Park is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 14,297. The total crime rate in Forest Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Forest Park Police Department (IL0163500). Forest Park total crime rate is 3,295 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Forest Park

#10 East Alton

County: Madison

3,360

Crime per 100,000 population

-16.26%

vs. Illinois average

+15.39%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in East Alton from 2012 to 2022

East Alton is an area in Madison, Illinois with population of 5,887. The total crime rate in East Alton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wood River Police Department (IL0601600). East Alton total crime rate is 3,360 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in East Alton

#9 Evergreen Park

County: Cook

3,416

Crime per 100,000 population

-14.87%

vs. Illinois average

+17.29%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Evergreen Park from 2012 to 2022

Evergreen Park is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 19,884. The total crime rate in Evergreen Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Evergreen Park Police Department (IL0163300). Evergreen Park total crime rate is 3,416 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Evergreen Park

#8 Homewood

County: Cook

3,419

Crime per 100,000 population

-14.8%

vs. Illinois average

+17.4%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Homewood from 2012 to 2022

Homewood is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 19,716. The total crime rate in Homewood is based on the nearest law agency agency, Homewood Police Department (IL0165200). Homewood total crime rate is 3,419 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Homewood

#7 Centralia

County: Marion

3,533

Crime per 100,000 population

-11.94%

vs. Illinois average

+21.33%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Centralia from 2012 to 2022

Centralia is an area in Marion, Illinois with population of 12,061. The total crime rate in Centralia is based on the nearest law agency agency, Centralia Police Department (IL0610200). Centralia total crime rate is 3,533 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Centralia

#6 Sterling

County: Whiteside

3,536

Crime per 100,000 population

-11.87%

vs. Illinois average

+21.43%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Sterling from 2012 to 2022

Sterling is an area in Whiteside, Illinois with population of 14,919. The total crime rate in Sterling is based on the nearest law agency agency, Sterling Police Department (IL0980700). Sterling total crime rate is 3,536 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Sterling

#5 Calumet Park

County: Cook

3,832

Crime per 100,000 population

-4.49%

vs. Illinois average

+31.6%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Calumet Park from 2012 to 2022

Calumet Park is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 7,167. The total crime rate in Calumet Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Calumet Park Police Department (IL0161800). Calumet Park total crime rate is 3,832 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Calumet Park

#4 North Riverside

County: Cook

4,432

Crime per 100,000 population

+10.46%

vs. Illinois average

+52.2%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in North Riverside from 2012 to 2022

North Riverside is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 7,382. The total crime rate in North Riverside is based on the nearest law agency agency, North Riverside Police Department (IL0167800). North Riverside total crime rate is 4,432 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in North Riverside

#3 Mount Vernon

County: Jefferson

5,106

Crime per 100,000 population

+27.25%

vs. Illinois average

+75.33%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Mount Vernon from 2012 to 2022

Mount Vernon is an area in Jefferson, Illinois with population of 14,614. The total crime rate in Mount Vernon is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mount Vernon Police Department (IL0410100). Mount Vernon total crime rate is 5,106 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Mount Vernon

#2 Oak Brook

County: DuPage

5,157

Crime per 100,000 population

+28.52%

vs. Illinois average

+77.08%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Oak Brook from 2012 to 2022

Oak Brook is an area in DuPage, Illinois with population of 8,178. The total crime rate in Oak Brook is based on the nearest law agency agency, Oak Brook Police Department (IL0221500). Oak Brook total crime rate is 5,157 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Oak Brook

#1 Cahokia

County: St. Clair

40,538

Crime per 100,000 population

+910.2%

vs. Illinois average

+1291.91%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Cahokia from 2012 to 2022

Cahokia is an area in St. Clair, Illinois with population of 12,440. The total crime rate in Cahokia is based on the nearest law agency agency, Sauget Police Department (IL0822200). Cahokia total crime rate is 40,538 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 4,012.91 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cahokia

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Illinois

Safety Tips for Total Crime in Illinois

Explore More on Crime Rates in Illinois

Interested in learning more about crime rates in Illinois? Check out our comprehensive guide to crime rates in Illinois for a detailed analysis of crime trends and statistics across the state. From the safest cities to the most dangerous communities, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of crime rates in Illinois.

Explore More on Crime Rates in United States

Curious about crime rates in the United States? Explore our comprehensive guide to crime statistics and trends across the country. From the safest cities to the most concerning communities, this guide offers an in-depth analysis of crime rates throughout the United States.

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