Illinois, a state known for its rich history and vibrant cities, also grapples with significant crime challenges. The importance of being aware of the most dangerous cities in Illinois cannot be overstated, especially for residents and visitors alike. Understanding the crime landscape helps in taking preventive measures and staying safe.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, Illinois, has consistently been highlighted for its high crime rates, particularly in violent crimes. Recent statistics indicate that Mount Vernon has a violent crime rate of 7.42 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than both the national median and the Illinois average.
Residents face a 1 in 135 chance of becoming a victims of violent crime, which includes offenses such as rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.
Property crimes are also prevalent, with a rate of 10.29 per 1,000 residents. This places Mount Vernon in the higher echelons of crime-ridden areas in the state, making it a focal point for law enforcement and community safety initiatives.
Despite a recent decline in crime rates, Mount Vernon remains an area of concern. In comparison to other similarly sized cities, Mount Vernon’s combined crime rate remains higher than average.
The city’s overall crime rate is 16% higher than the national average, and it is safer than only 23% of U.S. cities. Year-over-year data show a 58% decrease in crime, indicating some progress in combating crime.
However, the persistent issues of burglary, larceny, and auto theft continue to impact the community significantly. These statistics underline the importance of continuous and enhanced crime prevention measures to improve the safety and quality of life for Mount Vernon residents.
Danville
Danville, Illinois, has been grappling with high crime rates, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the state. In recent years, the city has seen alarming statistics, with a crime rate of 66 per one thousand residents, which is significantly higher than both the state and national averages.
This translates to a 1 in 15 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime. Violent crimes, including rape, murder, and aggravated assault, are particularly prevalent, with residents facing a 1 in 57 chance of falling victim to such offenses.
The property crime rate is equally concerning, with common incidents being burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. This high rate of crime has placed Danville in the top 100 most dangerous cities in the United States.
Despite these challenges, Danville has made some strides in reducing crime. The city has implemented various community policing and outreach programs aimed at rebuilding trust between the police and residents, a relationship that was historically strained due to events like the 1963 “Bloody Monday.”
One notable initiative is Project Imagine, which focuses on providing at-risk youth with work readiness programs, life skills training, and ongoing mentorship. This program has helped reduce youth involvement in crime by addressing underlying issues such as financial instability and lack of job opportunities.
Additionally, the collaboration between the police and community organizations has been crucial in making these improvements.
Although the crime rate remains high, these efforts have contributed to a gradual decline in certain types of crimes and have fostered a more cooperative environment for addressing the city’s safety issues.
Rockford
Rockford, Illinois, continues to grapple with high crime rates, positioning it as one of the most dangerous cities in the state. In 2023, the city reported a violent crime rate of 14.42 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than both the state and national averages.
Residents face a 1 in 69 chance of being a victim of violent crime, which includes offenses such as murder, rape, and aggravated assault.
Property crimes are also prevalent, with a rate of 26.64 per 1,000 residents, indicating that the likelihood of encountering burglary, larceny, or motor vehicle theft is high.
Notably, Rockford has one of the highest motor vehicle theft rates in the nation, with residents facing a 1 in 190 chance of having their car stolen.
Despite these daunting statistics, there have been some positive developments. Violent crime in Rockford has decreased for the second consecutive year, with a nearly 20% reduction in 2023 compared to previous years.
This decline includes significant drops in aggravated assaults (20%), the number of people shot (30%), and incidents of shots fired (31%).
However, property crimes, including burglary, theft, and arson, have seen a slight increase of nearly 3%. Efforts to combat crime include enhanced police tactics and community programs aimed at addressing underlying social issues.
For instance, the Family Peace Center, established to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence, has played a critical role in improving community safety by providing necessary services to over 1,800 survivors since its opening.
Springfield
Springfield, Illinois, has been experiencing significant crime challenges, making it one of the cities with the highest crime rates in the state.
According to recent data, Springfield has a crime rate of 50 per one thousand residents, which is significantly higher than most other communities in the United States. Residents face a 1 in 20 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.
The violent crime rate alone is 7.92 per one thousand residents, which includes offenses such as murder, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. This rate is more than double the national average, indicating serious safety concerns for residents.
Property crimes are also notably high in Springfield, with a rate of 42.54 per one thousand residents.
Common property crimes include burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Specifically, Springfield has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation, with residents having a 1 in 221 chance of experiencing their car being stolen.
The city has seen an overall increase in crime by 8% year over year, with the most dangerous areas concentrated in the eastern neighborhoods. Despite the high crime rates, Springfield continues to work on improving safety through community programs and increased law enforcement efforts.
Peoria
Peoria, Illinois, has been grappling with significant crime challenges, marking it as one of the most dangerous cities in the state. The overall crime rate in Peoria is 43 per one thousand residents, making the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime 1 in 23.
This crime rate is notably higher than both the state and national averages. Specifically, the violent crime rate in Peoria is 11.84 per thousand residents, which is significantly higher than the national median of 4 per thousand residents.
Violent crimes tracked include murder, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, placing Peoria among the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S. Property crimes are also prevalent, with residents facing a 1 in 32 chance of experiencing burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, or arson.
Despite these alarming statistics, there have been efforts to address and reduce crime in Peoria. The city has seen a 10% year-over-year decrease in overall crime, suggesting some progress in law enforcement and community efforts.
However, economic factors such as an unemployment rate of 5.9% contribute to the city’s crime rates, as financial instability often leads to higher crime rates. The city’s population density and educational attainment also play roles in its crime dynamics.
With 84.3% of residents having graduated from high school, Peoria’s educational attainment is slightly above the national average, yet the economic disparities within the city continue to fuel its crime issues.
Decatur
Decatur, Illinois, has been facing significant crime challenges, placing it among the cities with higher crime rates in the state. As of 2024, the overall crime rate in Decatur is 32 per thousand residents, making the likelihood of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime 1 in 31.
The violent crime rate in Decatur is notably high, with 7.15 incidents per one thousand residents, which includes serious offenses such as murder, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.
This rate is significantly higher than both the state and national averages, indicating severe safety concerns for residents. The city’s property crime rate is also elevated, with 25.08 incidents per one thousand residents, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
Despite these alarming statistics, there has been a slight overall decrease in crime rates by 3% year over year.
However, Decatur still struggles with maintaining safety, particularly in central neighborhoods where the chance of becoming a victim of crime can be as high as 1 in 15.
Economic factors such as a higher-than-average unemployment rate of 5.9% contribute to the city’s crime issues, as financial instability often leads to higher crime rates.
Additionally, the educational attainment in Decatur, with 80.8% of residents graduating from high school, falls slightly below the national average. Efforts to improve community safety focus on strengthening law enforcement and community policing strategies to build trust and cooperation between residents and police.
Champaign
Champaign, Illinois, faces significant crime challenges, positioning it as one of the higher-crime cities in the state. The city’s overall crime rate stands at 23.94 per 1,000 residents, indicating a 1 in 42 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.
Violent crime in Champaign is particularly concerning, with a rate of 6.50 per 1,000 residents, which includes offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
This rate is substantially higher than both the state and national averages, making Champaign’s violent crime rate 75% higher than the national average.
Property crimes, which include burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, also contribute significantly to the city’s crime statistics. Residents face a 1 in 57 chance of experiencing property crime, with burglary being particularly prevalent.
Despite these high crime rates, Champaign has seen some positive trends. Over the past few years, both violent and property crimes have been on a slight downward trend, with projected data for 2024 showing continued decreases in certain crime categories compared to 2019.
Educational attainment in Champaign is relatively high, with 93.6% of residents graduating from high school, which is significantly above the national average.
This high educational attainment is often associated with lower crime rates as it offers better employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities.
Additionally, the cost of living in Champaign is 8.31% lower than the national average, which may help alleviate some economic pressures that could otherwise contribute to higher crime rates.
Joliet
Joliet, Illinois, has been experiencing fluctuations in crime rates, positioning it as a city with both significant challenges and notable improvements.
As of recent data, Joliet’s overall crime rate stands at 15.41 per 1,000 residents, translating to a 1 in 65 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.
Violent crime in Joliet includes offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, with a rate of 5.13 per 1,000 residents. This rate is higher than both the state and national averages, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. However, the property crime rate in Joliet, which includes burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, is about 10 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is relatively average when compared to other cities across the nation.
Interestingly, Joliet has seen a general downward trend in both violent and property crimes over the past few years. For instance, the city’s property crime rate in 2024 is projected to be lower than in 2019, reflecting effective community efforts and law enforcement initiatives.
Additionally, Joliet’s homicide rate is significantly lower than the state average, with a notable decline in recent years.
The city’s crime rate improvements are partly attributed to economic factors, including a median home price of $193,100, which, while higher than the national average, suggests a relatively stable housing market.
Moreover, Joliet’s crime heat maps indicate that crime is more concentrated in specific high-traffic areas rather than being widespread across the city, which can help residents and authorities focus their safety measures more effectively.
Metropolis
Metropolis, Illinois, has seen a notable increase in its crime rates, positioning it as one of the more dangerous cities in the state.
The overall crime rate in Metropolis is 33.68 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than both state and national averages. Residents face a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.
Violent crimes, including armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, and murder, occur at a rate of 3 per 1,000 inhabitants. The property crime rate is particularly high, with incidents like burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson occurring at a rate of 30 per 1,000 residents.
These figures reflect a substantial local challenge in ensuring community safety.
The trend in Metropolis shows a decreasing pattern in violent crime but an increasing trend in property crime over the past decade. For instance, the city’s robbery rate is significantly lower than the state average, with a 77.69% lower incidence rate.
However, property crimes such as larceny and burglary remain much higher than both state and national averages, with larceny crimes being 32.92% higher than the state average and 84.58% higher than the national average.
The economic factors, including the median home price of $81,700, which is well below the national average, may contribute to the city’s crime dynamics by influencing neighborhood conditions and living standards.
Centralia
Centralia, Illinois, faces significant crime challenges, with recent data indicating that the city’s crime rate is considerably higher than both state and national averages.
In Centralia, the overall crime rate stands at 18.02 per 1,000 residents, meaning there is a 1 in 55 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.
Specifically, the violent crime rate is notably high at 8.88 per 1,000 residents, which includes serious offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
This rate is substantially higher than the state average and marks Centralia as having one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation. Movers in this area have stated that lots of people are avoiding moving there.
Property crime is also a significant concern in Centralia. The property crime rate is 9.14 per 1,000 residents, encompassing burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. This rate is higher than the national average, indicating a persistent issue with crimes against property.
The overall trend in Centralia has shown a decrease in property crimes over the past few years, but the rates remain higher than both state and national averages.
Additionally, specific areas within Centralia, particularly the western neighborhoods, are considered more dangerous, with crime rates as high as 1 in 12, compared to safer parts like the southeast where the rate is 1 in 29.
Safety Tips for Residents and Visitors
When visiting or residing in Illinois, particularly in high-crime areas such as Chicago, it is crucial to follow essential safety tips to ensure your well-being. For both residents and visitors, staying in well-populated and well-lit areas, especially at night, is highly recommended.
Neighborhoods such as The Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, and the Gold Coast in Chicago are known for their safety and are well-patrolled by police.
Utilizing public transportation like the CTA can be convenient, but it is important to remain vigilant, avoid displaying valuable items openly, and be cautious at stations, especially during late hours.
Keeping your smartphone handy for maps and emergency contacts is useful, but avoid using it conspicuously in unfamiliar areas to prevent theft.
For those driving in Illinois, especially in urban areas like Chicago, it’s advisable to use secure parking facilities and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight within your vehicle. Carjackings and thefts from cars are relatively common, so always store personal items such as purses and electronics out of view. When using rideshares or taxis, ask the driver to wait until you safely enter your destination.
For outdoor activities or attending large events, be mindful of the potential for higher crime rates in certain areas and follow local guidance on safe practices, such as staying with a group and avoiding isolated places.
Signing up for local emergency alerts through services like NotifyChicago.org can provide timely updates on weather conditions, road closures, and other safety concerns, enhancing your overall security while exploring the state.
Conclusion
The most dangerous cities in Illinois highlight the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and crime.
Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, including economic revitalization, community engagement, and effective law enforcement. Awareness and proactive measures can help mitigate the risks associated with these high-crime areas.
