Illinois, known for its iconic skyline in Chicago and rich cultural heritage, is home to many cities offering diverse lifestyles. However, beneath the surface of some areas lies significant economic strain, high crime rates, and challenges that make them less desirable for residents. In this article, we highlight the worst places and most dangerous cities to live in Illinois, examining factors like unemployment rates, poverty levels, violent crime statistics, and property crime data. By analyzing these cities, we aim to shed light on the socio-economic difficulties and safety concerns affecting their populations.

Top 10 Worst Places to Live In Illinois . Top 10 Worst Cities In Illinois to Live, Raise a Family, Job or Retire. Top 10 Worst Towns in Illinois. Top 10 Worst Villages in Illinois. If you’re thinking about a move to Illinois, here are the places you should avoid to live, retire or raise a family. 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Illinois You Should Never Move To. Top 10 Worst Cities To Live In Illinois. 10 Places in Illinois You Should NEVER Move To.

1. ROCKFORD

Rockford, with a population of 147,441, is often identified for its socio-economic struggles. Ranking 8th in Unemployment and 11th in Median Income within Illinois, these statistics point toward significant economic challenges. Despite the city's position within a relatively wealthy state, Rockford’s unemployment rate of 9.6% is 104.26% higher than the national average, signaling a severely strained job market. This high unemployment likely contributes to the city's financial instability, where 21.8% of the population lives in poverty—well above the national rate of 14.1%.

What stands out most is Rockford's alarmingly high crime rates. The city ranks 1st in Total Crimes, Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, Robberies, and Assaults. This dominance across multiple crime categories signals systemic issues in law enforcement, public safety, and socio-economic inequality. With a violent crime rate 273.97% above the national average, residents face a 1 in 70 chance of becoming a victim, a statistic that places enormous strain on community trust and quality of life.

While Rockford ranks 2nd in Murders, Rapes, Burglaries, Larcenies, and Car Thefts, these figures only further highlight the city’s persistent public safety crisis. The city's financial hardship exacerbates its vulnerability to crime, as nearly 55% of households earn less than $50,000 a year—a stark contrast to the national rate of 39%.

Rockford’s relatively low median home value of $95,200 and typical household income of $44,771 reflect the economic distress and limited upward mobility in the area, where residents struggle with financial insecurity alongside threats to their physical safety.

With severe crime problems and economic stagnation, Rockford faces ongoing social challenges. Its ranking across key crime metrics illustrates a city grappling with issues that require significant attention and resources for improvement.

Population : 147441
Unemployment Rate : 9.6%
Poverty : 21.8%
Median Home Value : $95200
Median Home Income : $44771
Overall Score : 4/10
Violent Crime : 2101
Property Crime : 4104

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2. EAST ST. LOUIS

East St. Louis, home to 26,359 residents, is another city deeply entrenched in economic hardship and crime. The city ranks 3rd in Unemployment and 1st in Median Income in Illinois. However, this may be misleading, as the local median income of $24,009 is a staggering 64.43% below the national average, reflecting extreme poverty. With 30.6% of its population living below the poverty line—118.57% higher than the national average—East St. Louis is facing some of the worst economic conditions in the state.

The unemployment rate of 13.2% (180.85% higher than the national rate) contributes to the city's financial instability, where nearly 1 in every 3 residents is impoverished. Moreover, 1 in every 5 households survives on less than $10,000 a year, showcasing the widespread deprivation across the community.

In terms of crime, East St. Louis ranks 1st in Murders, Rapes, Burglaries, and Car Thefts, highlighting the city's public safety concerns. These rankings point to pervasive violence and property crimes, which are likely exacerbated by the extreme poverty and lack of economic opportunity. The city also ranks 2nd in Violent Crimes, Robberies, and Assaults, indicating a deeply entrenched pattern of crime that affects the daily lives of its residents.

With a violent crime rate 162.86% higher than the national average, residents face a 1 in 98 chance of falling victim to violent crime, further eroding community stability and trust. The city's property crime rate is also notably higher than the national average, placing additional strain on local law enforcement and the justice system.

East St. Louis is a city trapped in a cycle of poverty and crime, with alarming unemployment and violent crime rates. Addressing these intertwined issues will be key to reversing the decline and improving residents' quality of life.

Population : 26359
Unemployment Rate : 13.2%
Poverty : 30.6%
Median Home Value : $53900
Median Home Income : $24009
Overall Score : 3/10
Violent Crime : 268
Property Crime : 415

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3. JOLIET

Joliet, with a population of 147,323, is better off compared to Rockford and East St. Louis but still faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of violent crime. The city ranks 3rd in Violent Crimes and Murders, indicating that while it has fewer total crimes than the top cities, violent incidents remain a pressing issue.

Joliet’s unemployment rate of 5.9% is only 25.53% higher than the national average, placing it in a more stable economic position relative to its peers. The city’s median household income of $72,871 is closer to the national average, helping it avoid the severe poverty seen in other Illinois cities. However, the presence of 10.5% of the population living below the poverty line suggests that not all residents benefit from this stability.

In terms of crime, Joliet ranks 4th in Robberies and Car Thefts and 3rd in Assaults, revealing that personal safety remains a concern despite better overall financial conditions. Residents have a 1 in 196 chance of being a victim of violent crime, a figure notably higher than what would be expected given the city’s economic standing.

Joliet faces a concerning violent crime problem despite its relatively healthier economy compared to other cities in Illinois. Reducing crime while maintaining economic stability will be key to improving its overall livability.

Population : 147323
Unemployment Rate : 5.9%
Poverty : 10.5%
Median Home Value : $193100
Median Home Income : $72871
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 751
Property Crime : 2160

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4. PEKIN

Pekin, a city of 32,796 residents, faces moderate challenges both economically and in terms of crime. Ranking 4th in Total Crimes, Violent Crimes, Assaults, Rapes, and Burglaries, the city shows persistent issues with criminal activity. The city’s 5th rank in Property Crimes and Larcenies underscores the pervasiveness of theft-related offenses.

While the crime rate is lower than in cities like Rockford or East St. Louis, Pekin’s poverty rate of 15.5% remains higher than the national average. The typical household in Pekin earns $50,552 annually, 25.11% below the national average, leaving many families in financial difficulty.

Pekin’s unemployment rate of 5.5% is 17.02% higher than the national rate, reflecting moderate job insecurity. The violent crime rate, though only 6.21% higher than the national average, still presents a notable risk for residents, who have a 1 in 248 chance of becoming a victim.

Pekin’s struggles with crime, though less severe than other cities, remain significant. Combined with above-average poverty and unemployment, the city has room for improvement in both economic and public safety aspects.

Population : 32796
Unemployment Rate : 5.5%
Poverty : 15.5%
Median Home Value : $104000
Median Home Income : $50552
Overall Score : 5/10
Violent Crime : 132
Property Crime : 618

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5. COLLINSVILLE

Collinsville, a city of 24,489 residents, ranks 5th in Total Crimes, Violent Crimes, and Assaults, showing a moderate level of crime compared to its counterparts. The city’s property crime rate is 2.79% higher than the national average, with residents facing a 1 in 50 chance of becoming a victim.

While the typical household in Collinsville earns $56,250 annually, 16.67% lower than the national average, the city experiences less poverty (13.2%) compared to other cities on this list. This relatively stable economic standing may contribute to the city’s lower overall crime rates compared to Rockford or East St. Louis.

Collinsville’s unemployment rate of 5.7%, though 21.28% higher than the national average, suggests a more stable job market, mitigating the worst effects of economic instability.

Collinsville is relatively better off in terms of both economic conditions and crime compared to many other cities in Illinois. However, persistent property crime and moderate poverty rates continue to challenge its overall quality of life.

Population : 24489
Unemployment Rate : 5.7%
Poverty : 13.2%
Median Home Value : $128500
Median Home Income : $56250
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 64
Property Crime : 493

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6. BELVIDERE

Belvidere, located in northern Illinois, faces challenges that make it one of the more dangerous small cities in the state. Although relatively small with a population of 24,932, the city ranks 3rd in Rapes. This high ranking highlights a significant concern for women's safety in particular. Despite being a close-knit community, its crime stats indicate growing security issues.

Economically, the typical household income in Belvidere is $52,609, which is 22.06% lower than the national average. Many residents struggle with the cost of living, which isn’t well-supported by local wages. A concerning unemployment rate of 8.2%, 74.47% higher than the national rate, further contributes to economic stagnation.

Despite its economic challenges, the property crime rate stands out with 258 cases, suggesting that burglary and other property-related offenses are common in the area. Violent crimes, although fewer in absolute numbers, are a significant problem given the smaller population size.

• Population: 24,932
• Unemployment Rate: 8.2%
• Poverty Rate: 13.5%
• Median Household Income: $52,609
• Median Home Value: $114,600
• Overall Score: 5/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 64
• Property Crime Cases: 258

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7. BERWYN

Berwyn, with a population of 54,850, faces rising crime rates while residents deal with financial challenges. The city ranks 4th in Murders, 3rd in Robberies, and 5th in Rapes, reflecting an alarming trend in violent crime. Though the numbers may not appear huge compared to major cities, they stand out in a city of this size.

The typical household income of $61,915 is 8.27% lower than the national average, and many Berwyn residents find that even with this income, the city's cost of living is relatively high, stretching their finances thin. The town’s unemployment rate of 4.9% sits slightly above the national average, though the real concern lies in how the higher crime rates and stagnant incomes coexist.

Berwyn's economic challenges don’t seem to directly correlate with property crime, which is still relatively common, with 595 cases reported. Residents have to contend with a violent crime rate that makes everyday life in Berwyn a bit more precarious than one might expect for a suburban town.

• Population: 54,850
• Unemployment Rate: 4.9%
• Poverty Rate: 12.5%
• Median Household Income: $61,915
• Median Home Value: $227,100
• Overall Score: 6/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 114
• Property Crime Cases: 595

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8. ROMEOVILLE

Romeoville, a relatively affluent city with a population of 39,644, ranks 5th in Murders, which is troubling for an area known for its comfortable suburban living. Crime aside, the city offers many economic advantages, with a median household income of $85,888, far above the national average.

With a poverty rate of only 6.9%, the majority of residents live comfortably compared to other cities on this list. Unemployment in Romeoville stands at 4.1%, only slightly above the national average, and crime seems concentrated in specific areas rather than widespread.

Still, the 78 violent crime cases and 402 property crime cases reported show that crime is a presence in Romeoville. Given its overall strong economic indicators, the city’s primary challenge lies in controlling its crime rates to match its suburban reputation.

• Population: 39,644
• Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
• Poverty Rate: 6.9%
• Median Household Income: $85,888
• Median Home Value: $198,800
• Overall Score: 6/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 78
• Property Crime Cases: 402

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9. ROUND LAKE BEACH

Round Lake Beach, a mid-sized city of 27,313 residents, faces a unique set of crime and economic struggles. The city ranks 3rd in Property Crimes, 3rd in Larcenies, and 5th in Car Thefts, making it a hotspot for theft and other property-related crimes. For a relatively small population, the crime rates are concerning.

Round Lake Beach’s unemployment rate of 5.1% is slightly above the national rate, but its poverty rate of 6.5% shows that the majority of residents are relatively financially stable. The median household income of $77,207 helps explain why, as it stands well above the national average.

However, the property crime rate in Round Lake Beach remains 3.73% higher than the national average, with 553 reported cases. Residents face a 1 in 49 chance of falling victim to property crime, which speaks to the lack of security in parts of the city.

• Population: 27,313
• Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
• Poverty Rate: 6.5%
• Median Household Income: $77,207
• Median Home Value: $149,000
• Overall Score: 6/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 40
• Property Crime Cases: 553

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10. HOFFMAN ESTATES

Hoffman Estates, a city with a population of 50,464, fares better in terms of both crime and economic stability compared to other cities on this list. Despite its size, the city maintains a relatively low crime rate, with only 65 violent crime cases and 432 property crime cases reported.

Economically, Hoffman Estates thrives. The median household income of $92,423 is significantly higher than the national average, and the poverty rate is low at 4.3%. The unemployment rate of 3.5% is also lower than most cities in Illinois, indicating a healthy local economy.

Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with a median home value of $286,600 reflecting the city’s desirability. Hoffman Estates stands out as one of the more prosperous and safer cities in Illinois, though it still deals with its share of criminal incidents.

• Population: 50,464
• Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
• Poverty Rate: 4.3%
• Median Household Income: $92,423
• Median Home Value: $286,600
• Overall Score: 7/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 65
• Property Crime Cases: 432