If you’re thinking about making a move anytime soon, maybe think twice before considering one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois, according to FBI crime data. Our friends at RoadSnacks have compiled the statistics (which are from 2018), and we’ve worked with them to bring you the most important info about our state, ultimately uncovering the most dangerous cities in Illinois.

1. Mount Vernon

According to FBI data, one of the most dangerous places in Illinois is Mount Vernon, which has a violent crime rate that is more than three times the national average and more than twice the state average. With a population of over 14,000, it's incredible that burglary, property crime, and larceny also have exceptionally high rates in this town. Take a closer look at Mount Vernon:

2. Danville

This moderate-sized town sees about 1,700 cases of violent crime per 100,000 people per year. Just about all crime is four times higher than the state average. The town is known as a place where shootings often occur and theft is rampant. Danville has another claim to fame, though. It's the home of Royal Donut, which serves up some of the best donuts in Illinois. However, as of 2024, it's considered the most dangerous city in Illinois.

3. Springfield

The largest city in central Illinois and our capital, of course, is not free of crime. It is only the sixth most populous city in the state yet it sees nearly 10 murders per 100,000 people each year as well as more than 1,000 acts of violent crime per 100,000 people. That doesn't mean it doesn't have plenty to offer, though. In fact, it's one of the top weekend destinations in Illinois. Take a virtual tour of Springfield:

4. Centralia

This town of 12,000 people may not see many murders but violent crime is still three times the state average and nearly four times the national average. When it comes to theft, property crime, and aggravated assault, you're likely to find a lot of that taking place in various pockets of this southern Illinois town. High crime rates aren't all you'll find in Centralia, though. It's also home to one of the few castles in Illinois.

5. Wood River

This small town may not see much murder or violent crime but the rate of property crime and personal theft is a real problem if you plan on moving here. For such a small town, you'd never expect so much crime. Even the car theft crime is right on point with the state average, which is why Wood River is among the most dangerous towns in Illinois.

6. Rockford

Crime rates across the board are above the state and national average in this major metropolitan area that is home to about 150,000 people. It is the third largest city in Illinois and sees more than three times as much violent crime as the rest of the state, and twice as many murders, When it comes to aggravated assault, the city's rate is nearly five times higher than the state and national average. Car theft and larceny are twice as high while burglary is three times the state average. On the bright side, it's home to one of the best water parks in Illinois. Take a driving tour around Rockford:

7. Metropolis

You probably never expected the home of Superman to be listed as one of the most dangerous towns in Illinois, but with a property crime rate that is three times higher than the state average, it has to make the list. Theft, in general, is also high in this town, and both aggravated assault and violent crime still fly above the state and national averages.

8. Peoria

One of the most popular cities in Central Illinois, this town is home to about 155,000 residents and sees about 760 cases of violent crime per 100,000 people each year. The rates for property crime and aggravated assault are most startling as they are both about twice the state average. Burglary is also high in this town with more than 900 cases per 100,000 people per year. But don't make the mistake of avoiding Peoria altogether; it is home to one of the best scenic drives in Illinois, after all.

9. Kankakee

Among the worst towns in Illinois, this town of just about 26,000 people sees around 23 murders each year. Crimes like larceny and property crime are twice the state average while other forms of crime are not far behind. Theft is rampant in several pockets of this small town.

10. Cahokia

Situated on the border with Missouri, this small town of 14,000 people is a dangerous suburb of St. Louis. Known for its historic mounds, it is also home to neighborhoods where robberies and murders take place. Car theft is twice the state average as is larceny and property crime. Burglary is three times the state average and violent crime is right on target.

So, what do you think? Did you know these were among the most dangerous cities in Illinois as far as crime is concerned? What other locales do you think are among the worst towns in Illinois?

You may be wondering, "Is Illinois a safe place to live?" Ranked 30th among states for crime, it's somewhere in the middle for safety. Of course, you can still find safe places to live in Illinois.

While Chicago has also seen its fair share of crime over the years, it's still an incredible place to visit. In fact, it's really worth taking a trip to experience it!