Illinois's 25 Most Dangerous Cities in Violent Crime - Updated 2023

Unmasking Illinois's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in violent 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 Moline

County: Rock Island

465

Crime per 100,000 population

-31.11%

vs. Illinois average

+14.65%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Moline from 2012 to 2022

Moline is an area in Rock Island, Illinois with population of 42,660. The violent crime rate in Moline is based on the nearest law agency agency, Moline Police Department (IL0810600). Moline violent crime rate is 465 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Moline

#24 Quincy

County: Adams

475

Crime per 100,000 population

-29.63%

vs. Illinois average

+17.1%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Quincy from 2012 to 2022

Quincy is an area in Adams, Illinois with population of 39,687. The violent crime rate in Quincy is based on the nearest law agency agency, Quincy Police Department (IL0010300). Quincy violent crime rate is 475 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Quincy

#23 Lansing

County: Cook

544

Crime per 100,000 population

-19.43%

vs. Illinois average

+34.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Lansing from 2012 to 2022

Lansing is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 28,916. The violent crime rate in Lansing is based on the nearest law agency agency, Calumet City Police Department (IL0161700). Lansing violent crime rate is 544 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lansing

#22 Calumet City

County: Cook

544

Crime per 100,000 population

-19.43%

vs. Illinois average

+34.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Calumet City from 2012 to 2022

Calumet City is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 36,065. The violent crime rate in Calumet City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Calumet City Police Department (IL0161700). Calumet City violent crime rate is 544 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Calumet City

#21 Hoopeston

County: Vermilion

574

Crime per 100,000 population

-14.91%

vs. Illinois average

+41.61%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Hoopeston from 2012 to 2022

Hoopeston is an area in Vermilion, Illinois with population of 5,210. The violent crime rate in Hoopeston is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hoopeston Police Department (IL0920600). Hoopeston violent crime rate is 574 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hoopeston

#20 Metropolis

County: Massac

585

Crime per 100,000 population

-13.35%

vs. Illinois average

+44.2%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Metropolis from 2012 to 2022

Metropolis is an area in Massac, Illinois with population of 6,032. The violent crime rate in Metropolis is based on the nearest law agency agency, Metropolis Police Department (IL0640300). Metropolis violent crime rate is 585 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Metropolis

#19 Zion

County: Lake

629

Crime per 100,000 population

-6.81%

vs. Illinois average

+55.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Zion from 2012 to 2022

Zion is an area in Lake, Illinois with population of 24,660. The violent crime rate in Zion is based on the nearest law agency agency, Zion Police Department (IL0492300). Zion violent crime rate is 629 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Zion

#18 Beach Park

County: Lake

629

Crime per 100,000 population

-6.81%

vs. Illinois average

+55.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Beach Park is an area in Lake, Illinois with population of 13,634. The violent crime rate in Beach Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Zion Police Department (IL0492300). Beach Park violent crime rate is 629 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Beach Park

#17 Godfrey

County: Madison

642

Crime per 100,000 population

-4.96%

vs. Illinois average

+58.17%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Godfrey from 2012 to 2022

Godfrey is an area in Madison, Illinois with population of 17,812. The violent crime rate in Godfrey is based on the nearest law agency agency, Alton Police Department (IL0600100). Godfrey violent crime rate is 642 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Godfrey

#16 Alton

County: Madison

642

Crime per 100,000 population

-4.96%

vs. Illinois average

+58.17%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Alton from 2012 to 2022

Alton is an area in Madison, Illinois with population of 83,705. The violent crime rate in Alton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Alton Police Department (IL0600100). Alton violent crime rate is 642 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Alton

#15 Granite City

County: Madison

680

Crime per 100,000 population

+0.74%

vs. Illinois average

+67.65%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Granite City is an area in Madison, Illinois with population of 27,336. The violent crime rate in Granite City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Granite City Police Department (IL0600700). Granite City violent crime rate is 680 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Granite City

#14 Matteson

County: Cook

684

Crime per 100,000 population

+1.27%

vs. Illinois average

+68.53%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Matteson from 2012 to 2022

Matteson is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 19,047. The violent crime rate in Matteson is based on the nearest law agency agency, Matteson Police Department (IL0166600). Matteson violent crime rate is 684 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Matteson

#13 Dolton

County: Cook

690

Crime per 100,000 population

+2.25%

vs. Illinois average

+70.17%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Dolton from 2012 to 2022

Dolton is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 21,588. The violent crime rate in Dolton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dolton Police Department (IL0162700). Dolton violent crime rate is 690 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Dolton

#12 Beardstown

County: Cass

724

Crime per 100,000 population

+7.18%

vs. Illinois average

+78.37%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Beardstown from 2012 to 2022

Beardstown is an area in Cass, Illinois with population of 5,839. The violent crime rate in Beardstown is based on the nearest law agency agency, Beardstown Police Department (IL0090200). Beardstown violent crime rate is 724 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Beardstown

#11 Chicago Heights

County: Cook

759

Crime per 100,000 population

+12.49%

vs. Illinois average

+87.2%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Chicago Heights from 2012 to 2022

Chicago Heights is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 27,840. The violent crime rate in Chicago Heights is based on the nearest law agency agency, Chicago Heights Police Department (IL0161900). Chicago Heights violent crime rate is 759 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chicago Heights

#10 Savoy

County: Champaign

793

Crime per 100,000 population

+17.53%

vs. Illinois average

+95.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Savoy from 2012 to 2022

Savoy is an area in Champaign, Illinois with population of 8,793. The violent crime rate in Savoy is based on the nearest law agency agency, Champaign Police Department (IL0100100). Savoy violent crime rate is 793 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Savoy

#9 Champaign

County: Champaign

793

Crime per 100,000 population

+17.53%

vs. Illinois average

+95.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Champaign from 2012 to 2022

Champaign is an area in Champaign, Illinois with population of 153,278. The violent crime rate in Champaign is based on the nearest law agency agency, Champaign Police Department (IL0100100). Champaign violent crime rate is 793 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Champaign

#8 Kankakee

County: Kankakee

835

Crime per 100,000 population

+23.67%

vs. Illinois average

+105.8%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Kankakee from 2012 to 2022

Kankakee is an area in Kankakee, Illinois with population of 82,095. The violent crime rate in Kankakee is based on the nearest law agency agency, Kankakee Police Department (IL0460200). Kankakee violent crime rate is 835 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Kankakee

#7 Fairview Heights

County: St. Clair

837

Crime per 100,000 population

+23.99%

vs. Illinois average

+106.33%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Fairview Heights from 2012 to 2022

Fairview Heights is an area in St. Clair, Illinois with population of 16,601. The violent crime rate in Fairview Heights is based on the nearest law agency agency, Caseyville Police Department (IL0820400). Fairview Heights violent crime rate is 837 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fairview Heights

#6 Riverdale

County: Cook

988

Crime per 100,000 population

+46.29%

vs. Illinois average

+143.45%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Riverdale from 2012 to 2022

Riverdale is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 10,909. The violent crime rate in Riverdale is based on the nearest law agency agency, Riverdale Police Department (IL0169300). Riverdale violent crime rate is 988 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Riverdale

#5 Centralia

County: Marion

1,038

Crime per 100,000 population

+53.66%

vs. Illinois average

+155.72%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Centralia from 2012 to 2022

Centralia is an area in Marion, Illinois with population of 12,061. The violent crime rate in Centralia is based on the nearest law agency agency, Centralia Police Department (IL0610200). Centralia violent crime rate is 1,038 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Centralia

#4 Markham

County: Cook

1,111

Crime per 100,000 population

+64.53%

vs. Illinois average

+173.8%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Markham from 2012 to 2022

Markham is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 11,733. The violent crime rate in Markham is based on the nearest law agency agency, Markham Police Department (IL0166500). Markham violent crime rate is 1,111 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Markham

#3 Mount Vernon

County: Jefferson

1,306

Crime per 100,000 population

+93.39%

vs. Illinois average

+221.83%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Mount Vernon is an area in Jefferson, Illinois with population of 14,614. The violent crime rate in Mount Vernon is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mount Vernon Police Department (IL0410100). Mount Vernon violent crime rate is 1,306 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Mount Vernon

#2 Cahokia

County: St. Clair

3,116

Crime per 100,000 population

+361.35%

vs. Illinois average

+667.75%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Cahokia from 2012 to 2022

Cahokia is an area in St. Clair, Illinois with population of 12,440. The violent crime rate in Cahokia is based on the nearest law agency agency, Sauget Police Department (IL0822200). Cahokia violent crime rate is 3,116 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cahokia

#1 Calumet Park

County: Cook

3,999

Crime per 100,000 population

+492.0%

vs. Illinois average

+885.18%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Calumet Park is an area in Cook, Illinois with population of 7,167. The violent crime rate in Calumet Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Calumet Park Police Department (IL0161800). Calumet Park violent crime rate is 3,999 per 100,000 population, compared to Illinois average of 675.54 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Calumet Park

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Illinois

Safety Tips for Violent 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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