Illinois is a state of contrasts: bustling Chicago, historic river towns, and quiet rural communities. Yet crime statistics reveal that danger isn’t confined to the big city. Many smaller towns and suburbs face disproportionately high violent crime rates, often driven by economic hardship, population decline, or proximity to larger urban centers. This list of the most volatile cities in Illinois highlights where violent crime is most concentrated, offering a clearer picture of safety challenges across the state.

Most Dangerous Cities In Illinois

1. East St. Louis

East St. Louis consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities in the nation, not just Illinois. With a violent crime rate above 33 per 1,000 residents, the city struggles with poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure decline. Its proximity to St. Louis, Missouri, adds to cross‑border crime challenges. Despite community resilience and cultural history, East St. Louis faces persistent issues with assaults, robberies, and homicides, making it the most dangerous city in Illinois by rate.

2. Harvey

Harvey, a southern suburb of Chicago, has long battled economic decline and high crime. With a violent crime rate of nearly 23 per 1,000 residents, assaults and robberies are common. The city’s shrinking population and limited resources contribute to its safety struggles. Once a thriving industrial hub, Harvey now faces challenges with poverty and unemployment, which fuel crime. Residents remain committed to revitalization, but crime statistics place Harvey firmly among Illinois’ most dangerous communities.

3. Cahokia Heights

Cahokia Heights was formed by merging Cahokia, Alorton, and Centreville, but the consolidation did not erase its crime problems. With a violent crime rate over 20 per 1,000 residents, the city faces severe infrastructure issues, poverty, and limited public services. Assaults and robberies are frequent, and property crime adds to the burden. Despite its historic roots along the Mississippi River, Cahokia Heights struggles with safety, ranking near the top of Illinois’ most dangerous cities.

4. Springfield

Springfield, Illinois’ capital, has a violent crime rate of nearly 18 per 1,000 residents, well above the national average. Assaults, robberies, and property crimes are common, particularly in certain neighborhoods. While the city is home to government institutions and historic landmarks, crime challenges persist. Economic disparities and urban density contribute to safety concerns. Despite revitalization efforts, Springfield remains one of Illinois’ most dangerous cities, highlighting the contrast between its political importance and crime struggles.

5. Rockford

Rockford, Illinois’ third‑largest city, has struggled with violent crime for decades. With a rate of 17 per 1,000 residents, assaults, robberies, and homicides are significant concerns. Economic decline following the loss of manufacturing jobs has fueled poverty and crime. While Rockford has cultural attractions and revitalization projects, safety remains a pressing issue. The city’s persistent crime challenges place it among the top five most dangerous in Illinois, despite efforts to improve community conditions.

6. Chicago

Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, has a violent crime rate of about 17 per 1,000 residents. While its overall rate is lower than several smaller cities, the sheer volume of incidents makes it a national focus. Violence is concentrated in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods on the South and West Sides, while many other areas remain relatively safe. Chicago’s crime challenges are tied to poverty, gang activity, and inequality, keeping it high on Illinois’ danger list.

7. Danville

Danville, located near the Indiana border, has a violent crime rate of over 15 per 1,000 residents. Assaults and robberies are common, and property crime adds to safety concerns. Economic struggles and population decline have contributed to higher per‑capita crime rates. Despite its small size, Danville consistently ranks among Illinois’ most dangerous cities. Community leaders continue to push for revitalization, but crime statistics highlight ongoing challenges for residents and visitors alike.

8. Peoria

Peoria, a major city in central Illinois, faces crime challenges tied to economic transition. With a violent crime rate of about 15 per 1,000 residents, assaults and robberies are frequent. Property crime also remains a concern. Once a thriving industrial hub, Peoria has experienced job losses and poverty, fueling crime rates. Despite cultural institutions and revitalization efforts, Peoria remains one of Illinois’ most dangerous cities, reflecting the struggles of mid‑sized urban centers.

9. Alton

Alton, a historic river city in the Metro East area, has a violent crime rate of nearly 15 per 1,000 residents. Assaults, robberies, and property crimes are common, particularly in economically challenged neighborhoods. Population decline has inflated per‑capita crime rates, even as total incidents fall. Despite its rich history and scenic location along the Mississippi River, Alton faces persistent safety concerns, placing it among Illinois’ top 10 most dangerous cities.

10. Maywood

Maywood, a near‑western suburb of Chicago, has a violent crime rate of about 14.5 per 1,000 residents. Assaults and robberies are frequent, and property crime adds to the burden. Economic struggles and limited resources contribute to safety challenges. Despite its proximity to Chicago’s opportunities, Maywood faces persistent crime issues. Community resilience remains strong, but crime statistics place Maywood firmly among Illinois’ most dangerous cities, highlighting the difficulties faced by many inner‑ring suburbs.

Top 50 Most Dangerous Cities in Illinois (Full Table)

Rank	City	Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000)	Notable Characteristics
1	East St. Louis	33.27	One of the most dangerous cities in the U.S.; extreme poverty and proximity to St. Louis.
2	Harvey	22.96	Economically distressed Chicago suburb with long-standing violent crime.
3	Cahokia Heights	20.45	Newly merged city facing infrastructure collapse and high poverty.
4	Springfield	17.89	State capital with high rates of assault and robbery.
5	Rockford	17.12	Large city with persistent violent crime challenges.
6	Chicago	16.66	High total crime numbers; violence concentrated in specific neighborhoods.
7	Danville	15.41	High violent crime for its size; near Indiana border.
8	Peoria	15.20	Industrial decline and gang presence contribute to violent crime.
9	Alton	14.88	Metro East river city with long-term socioeconomic struggles.
10	Maywood	14.50	Near-west suburb of Chicago with dense housing and high assaults.
11	Kankakee	14.22	Mid-sized city with rising robbery and assault numbers.
12	Decatur	13.95	Manufacturing decline drives poverty-related crime.
13	Rantoul	13.50	Former Air Force base town with economic transitions.
14	Aurora	13.45	Illinois’ 2nd-largest city; gangs active in pockets.
15	Zion	13.10	North suburban lakefront city with concentrated violence.
16	Dolton	12.95	South suburban community facing rising violent incidents.
17	Waukegan	12.75	Industrial hub with gang activity and drug-related crime.
18	Pekin	12.60	Smaller central Illinois city with growing violent crime.
19	Granite City	12.45	Metro East industrial town suffering economic decline.
20	Bellwood	12.30	Chicago suburb with elevated assault and robbery.
21	Markham	12.15	South suburb with high per-capita violent crime.
22	Chicago Heights	11.90	Old industrial suburb with entrenched crime issues.
23	Joliet	11.75	Large city with violence concentrated on the east side.
24	Broadview	11.60	Western suburb with rising violent crime trends.
25	Urbana	11.45	University town where property and violent crime are common.
26	Champaign	11.30	High crime areas near campus and dense housing sections.
27	Calumet City	11.20	Border suburb with high robbery and assault rates.
28	Skokie	11.05	Generally safe, but violent pockets raise rate.
29	Berwyn	10.90	Densely populated suburb with increasing aggravated assaults.
30	Cicero	10.75	One of the densest towns in Illinois with gang activity.
31	Elgin	10.60	Large city with gang presence and periodic spikes in violence.
32	Blue Island	10.45	South suburb with long-term violent crime patterns.
33	Park Forest	10.30	South suburban village facing heightened assaults.
34	North Chicago	10.15	Home to the Naval Station; pockets of high crime.
35	Benton	10.00	Southern Illinois town with surprisingly high per-capita crime.
36	Mattoon	9.85	Mid-sized eastern Illinois city with rising violence.
37	Galesburg	9.70	Western Illinois college town with steady violent crime.
38	Lansing	9.55	South suburb experiencing robbery and assault increases.
39	East Peoria	9.40	Quiet city but with elevated violent crime in certain neighborhoods.
40	Mount Vernon	9.25	Transportation hub with persistent violent crime.
41	Moline	9.10	Quad Cities area with growing gang and drug-related crime.
42	Silvis	8.95	Small Quad Cities community with per-capita crime concerns.
43	Jacksonville	8.80	Central Illinois city with rising violent incidents.
44	Dixon	8.65	Reagan’s hometown; elevated assaults for a small city.
45	Freeport	8.50	Northern Illinois city with robbery and assault issues.
46	Charleston	8.35	Home to EIU; student-related crime inflates rate.
47	Bloomington	8.20	Twin City with Normal; violent trends increasing.
48	Oak Lawn	8.05	Chicago suburb with moderate but rising violent crime.
49	Normal	7.90	ISU college town with concentrated student-related crime.
50	Carbondale	7.75	Southern Illinois city with long-term crime challenges.

Closing

While these rankings spotlight areas with elevated crime rates, they don’t define the full character of Illinois communities. Every city has safe neighborhoods, cultural strengths, and residents working to improve conditions. Crime data is best seen as a guide to awareness, not a verdict on identity. Whether you live in Illinois or plan to visit, staying informed, practicing caution, and supporting local initiatives can help foster safer, stronger communities across the state.