Explore the top 10 most dangerous cities in Illinois and the measures to stay safe. Learn about the socio-economic factors contributing to elevated crime rates and the efforts for a safer future.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Illinois: Unveiling the Hidden Realities (Photo: Google/Canva/Rachelle J)
Illinois is known for Chicago, but several smaller cities have safety issues. Beyond Chicago, socioeconomic factors cause high crime rates in many cities. From Danville to Bloomington, crime rates and victimization rates are impressive.
As we explore Illinois’ top 10 most hazardous cities, stark realities emerge. Each community faces unique issues, from poverty and unemployment to lack of education and opportunities, which raise crime rates. Understanding these concerns goes beyond numbers and into these communities’ socioeconomic fiber, making it vital.
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Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Illinois
- Danville: Illinois’ riskiest city. Danville’s crime rate is 213% more than the state average, so be careful. From 30,479 residents. Poor education, joblessness, and low median income plague the city. Since 2020, crime has risen steadily, even in 2024.
- Peoria: Another dangerous Illinois city is Peoria. The 113,150-person city in central Illinois has a crime rate of 4,793 per 100,000. A city with 114,394 residents is 122% riskier than the national average. Homicides and gun violence are dangerously high.
- Springfield: Despite being Illinois’ capitol, it’s dangerous. It has 5,218 crimes per 100,000 population, making it one of the state’s most dangerous cities. Its population of 114,394 makes it 122% more dangerous than the average U.S. city. Many violent and property crimes occur, with over 4,300 reported in 2021. Assaults and robberies dominated violent crimes that year.
- Rockford: In northern Wisconsin’s Winnebago County, Rockford has high violent crime rates. Areas with 150,000 people had 92% more crime than the national average. Assaults, robberies, and murders are common.
- Champaign: Champaign County, with 88,302 population, has 3,409 crimes per 100,000. Crime affects 1 in 30 residents. Burglary, theft, robbery, and assault are common. 23% of city dwellers are poor.
- Chicago: High crime rates plague Illinois’ largest and most culturally significant city. Its crime rate is 3,351 per 100,000, 67% higher than the national average. Violence, especially homicide and gun violence, is common in the city. City life is more dangerous on the south side. Crime in Chicago is rising, including more shootings. Some sections of Illinois are struggling, but Chicago has several dog-friendly parks that are excellent for a day out with your pet.
- Granite City: a 28,000-person St. Louis suburb with a crime rate 64% higher than the national average at 3,136 per 100,000. The once-booming industrial metropolis today struggles with poverty and unemployment. Common criminal offenses include stealing, robbery, and violence.
- East St. Louis: This is one of the most violent cities. The Mississippi River divides 18,469 inhabitants from St. Louis. East St. Louis has 2,599 crimes per 100,000, 31% more than Illinois. One of Illinois’ most dangerous towns, crime has reduced recently.
- Joliet: With 150,362 residents, 35 miles southwest of Chicago. It has 1,965 crimes per 100,000. Burglaries and thefts are common here.
- Bloomington, Illinois’ 13th most populated city with 78,680 residents, has a 1,899 crime rate per 100,000. Bloomington had four murders, nineteen robberies, 152 assaults, and 141 burglaries in 2021, according to FBI data.
The top 10 most dangerous cities in Illinois change their crime rates with the help of law enforcement, community activities, and socio-economic upheavals, demonstrating their dynamic nature.
These safety risks require aggressive measures. Residents may make their cities safer by staying alert, reporting suspicious activity, and securing their homes. Community involvement and law enforcement may make communities safer for everyone, moving away from crime-based definitions.
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