Crime is scary stuff, and it can truly happen anywhere. But your chances of being a victim are higher if you live in a “dangerous” town. We’re counting down the 10 most dangerous places in Illinois in which to live, based on FBI crime statistics:

1. Chicago
Chicago, IL, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
Routinely near the top of national lists of violent cities, it is no surprise that Chicago tops this list of the most dangerous towns in Illinois. In 2014, there were almost 500 homicides. Read more about Chicago.
2. Rockford
Rockford, IL, USA
Rockford Management/TripAdvisor
For a town its size, Rockford has an unusually high crime rate. There are 760 crimes per 10,000 residents. And it has one of the highest aggravated assault rates in the entire country, making it one of the most dangerous towns in Illinois. Learn more about Rockford, Illinois.
3. Springfield
Springfield, IL, USA
LongitudeLatitude/Flickr
The state capitol is not a safe place, either. The rate of violent crime is 5.5 per 1,000 residents. It might seem like a dangerous place to avoid in Illinois, but if you're cautious and know where to go, Springfield can be a nice place to visit. We've put together an itinerary to explore the town. Check out more about Springfield, Illinois.
4. Peoria
Peoria, IL, USA
statontcady/Flickr
Peoria is another central Illinois town with a poor crime rate. The rate of violent crime is 3.6 per 1,000 residents. If you want to explore Peoria, there is a nice scenic drive you can take though! Check out this scenic drive in Peoria.
5. Champaign
Champaign, IL, USA
Chris/Flickr
University of Illinois is a beautiful campus, but you'll want to make sure to walk with a buddy. There were 1,493 incidents of violent crime in 2013 (most recent stats)--including 14 homicides. There are some highlights in Champaign, though. Check out this great restaurant in Champaign.

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6. Aurora
Aurora, IL, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Gangs have infiltrated Aurora and brought some of the crime from Chicago into it, making it a more dangerous town in Illinois. Good news, though: crime has been on the decline. One good way to explore Aurora is by driving through it. Check out this this scenic drive in Aurora.
7. Joliet
Joliet, IL, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Unfortunately, crime is on the rise in Joliet. There were 557 violent crimes in 2013, with sexual assault and robbery rates increasing. Read more about Joliet, Illinois.
8. Harvey
Harvey, IL, USA
LocoSteve/Flickr
Harvey only has 25,000 people but has had years (2013) where as many as TEN murders have occurred. Learn more about Harvey, Illinois.
9. Waukegan
Waukegan, IL, USA
Mike Steele/Flickr
The setting of Waukegan just off the lake is beautiful. But what isn't beautiful is that 5 out of 1,000 residents is the victim of a violent crime. Find out more about Waukegan, Illinois.
10. Bloomington
Bloomington, IL, USA
Teemu008/Flickr
You might be surprised about the crime rate in Bloomington. There are 5 violent crimes per 1,000 people. There are some cool things to do this city, though. For example, check out this historic mansion in Bloomington.

What do YOU think are the most dangerous places in Illinois? Had any scary experiences in any particular town? Let us know in the comments.

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More to Explore

Most Dangerous Places in Illinois

Danielle Schwartz | June 11, 2022

What is the most scenic town in Illinois?

There are lots of lovely small towns in our state! If you're a fan of pretty views, shopping, and charming shops, these are the best, most scenic towns in Illinois for you to enjoy. Looking for some nice architecture to admire while you walk around the town? Check out Mount Carroll for some gorgeous buildings right out of a New England picture book. Fulton is another unique town you'll like. It has great Dutch features, like a cool windmill you won't see just anywhere!

What are the creepiest places in Illinois?

Our state is beautiful and has so many nice places to see, but sometimes you're in the mood for something a little more paranormal. You'll find plenty of haunted happenings in the creepiest places in Illinois. For a ghost story you won't soon forget, head to Woodstock Opera House. There, the ghost of a dancer roams the property, wishing for a role she didn't get. If you prefer space-related phenomena, you'll definitely enjoy Grass Lake's story of creepy UFO sightings over the years.

What are the smallest towns in Illinois?

There are lots of sweet small towns in Illinois to explore! A lot of these towns make for great getaways. A fun place for lunch is Elm Street Grill in Argestes. This small town has less than 1000 residents, so it will really give you that nice small-town feeling. Carlock is gorgeous and has cute shops to check out too. It's another fun place to see for the day. If you're looking for great water views, you should go to Keithsburg to see the Mississippi River up close.

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