Illinois is known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant communities, and rich history. From the world-famous skyline of Chicago to the scenic trails of southern Illinois, the state offers residents and visitors a wide range of cultural, recreational, and economic opportunities.
Despite these strengths, some communities continue to face public safety challenges. Crime rates can vary significantly from one city to another, and understanding these differences can help residents, travelers, and policymakers make informed decisions.
Quick Guide
- State: Illinois
- Ranking Criteria: Violent crimes per 100,000 residents
- Includes: Assault, robbery, rape, and homicide offenses
- Most Dangerous City: Danville
- Highest Violent Crime Rate: 1,684 per 100,000 residents
- Data Focus: Violent crime statistics and public safety trends
- Source: areavibes
The following ranking highlights the 10 most dangerous cities in Illinois based on reported violent crime rates per 100,000 residents. While crime statistics provide valuable insight into public safety trends, they do not define an entire community. Many of these cities are actively working to improve neighborhood safety through law enforcement initiatives, community programs, and economic development efforts.
10. Riverdale
- Population: 12,878
- 709 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.94
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 141
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,567
Rounding out our list at #10 is Riverdale, IL. With a population of 12,878 and a violent crime rate of 709 per 100,000 people (145% higher than the Illinois average), some parts of Riverdale are incredible unsafe. The violent crime rate consists of 430 counts of assault, 130 counts of robbery, 80 counts of rape and 70 counts of homicide. Residents can expect to have a 1 in 141 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
9. Peoria Heights
- Population: 6,052
- 807 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.21
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 124
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,474
Economic conditions, education, social environment, law enforcement and urbanization can all have an impact on crime rates. Feeling the effects of most of those issues, Peoria Heights, IL comes in as the 9th most dangerous city in Illinois with a violent crime rate of 807 per 100,000 people. If we break that down, the city sees 2.21 violent crimes per day and residents have a 1 in 124 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.
8. Springfield
- Population: 117,426
- 901 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.47
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 111
- Total Crimes / 100k: 5,813
Springfield, IL is another one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois and tops the list at #8. The city has a population of 117,426 and a violent crime rate of 901 per 100,000 people. Of those crimes, there were 653 counts of assault, 134 counts of robbery, 106 counts of rape and 8 counts of homicide. All told, the Springfield violent crime rate is 212% higher than the Illinois average………Read full article
