The Land of Lincoln is the 5th most populous state in the U.S., with over 12.8 million residents and its largest city, Chicago, is the third most populated in the country. While much of Illinois’ population is centered around Chicago, there are many places to live in this beautiful state and we’re going to tell you which ones are the safest. Here are the 50 safest cities in Illinois based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 370 for violent crime and 2,076 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000. No matter what part of The Prairie State you’d like to call home, you’ll be safe in one of these destinations.
Related: Check out our Illinois Public Records guide.
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#1 Western Springs
A village located in Cook County, Western Springs is a suburb of Chicago and is home to 12,900 residents. Named by Business Week as one of the best places to raise children, the community is home to nearly a dozen parks and is the safest place to live in Illinois. The violent crime rate here is just 7.7, and property crime is almost non-existent, with residents having a .03% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#2 Geneva
Located in Kane County, Geneva is considered a western Chicago suburb and also serves as the county seat. This city of 21,700 residents sits along the Fox River and is known for its extensive bike trail system on the Illinois Prairie Path and Fox River Trail. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 9.2 and the chance of being affected by property crime just 1.2%.
#3 Barrington
An affluent village in both Lake and Cook Counties, Barrington is located approximately 32 miles northwest of Chicago. Home to 10,300 residents, the community is known for its country-suburban setting that features parks, horse trails, preserves, and wetlands. Barrington is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 9.6 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.4%.
#4 Hinsdale
Another western Chicago suburb, the Village of Hinsdale is located in both Cook and DuPage Counties. Home to 16,800 residents, the town’s zip code is in the top 1% wealthiest in the state and is accessible to downtown Chicago via a 22-minute express train ride. Living here is safe, with a violent crime rate of 11.8 and just a 1% chance of being affected by property crime.
#5 Buffalo Grove
Considered a northern suburb of Chicago, Buffalo Grove is located in Cook and Lake Counties. Home to 41,400 residents, the village has 50 parks and 45 miles of bike paths for residents. The violent crime rate here is 12 and residents have just a .08% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#6 Channahon
A village in both Grundy and Will counties, Channahon is home to 12,500 residents. The village is positioned where the Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers converge, forming the Illinois River and it is home to Channahon State Park. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 15.8 the chance of being affected by property crime just .06%.
#7 Deerfield
Located approximately 25 miles north of Chicago in Cook and Lake Counties, Deerfield is a village of 18,200 residents. The village is home to several corporate headquarters such as Walgreens and Baxter International and was included on Business Week’s list of best places to raise children. The violent crime rate here is 16.4, and residents have a 1.1% chance of being affected by property crime.
#8 Morton Grove
A village in Cook County, Morton Grove is home to 23,200 residents. Nicknamed “The Grove”, the community was established in 1895 by early German settlers and is a safe place to call home. The violent crime rate in Morton Grove is 17.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.7%.
#9 Burr Ridge
Another suburb of Chicago, the Village of Burr Ridge is located in both Cook and DuPage Counties. Home to 10,500 residents, the community’s proximity to Chicago make it both popular for development and the location of several large business parks. The violent crime rate here is 18.8, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Burr Ridge is 1.4%.
#10 Wheaton
Located in Milton and Winfield Townships, Wheaton is a city of 53,400 residents. Also the county seat of DuPage County, the city is home to Wheaton College, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and several private schools. Living in Wheaton is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 22.5 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1%.
#11 Libertyville
An affluent northern suburb of Chicago, Libertyville is a village located in Lake County. Home to 20,300 residents, the community is just 5 miles west of Lake Michigan and was named by CNN Travel as one of America’s best small town comebacks. The violent crime rate in Libertyville is 24.5, and residents have a 1.5% chance of being affected by property crime.
#12 Huntley
Located in McHenry and Kane Counties, Huntley is a village of 24,200 residents. This outer Chicago suburb is known for its Premium Outlets Mall and as being the home to the largest retirement community in the Midwest, called Sun City. The violent crime rate in Huntley is 24.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just .08%.
#13 Orland Park
Another suburb of southwest Chicago, Orland Park is a village in Cook County. Home to 56,700 residents, the community has a thriving retail/commercial sector as well as an extensive parks system for residents. The violent crime rate here is 28, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Orland Park is 2.3%.
#14 La Grange Park
Another village in Cook County, La Grange Park is home to 13,500 residents. The village is known for its historic homes, award-winning schools, and ample parks and recreation system. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 29.3 and the chance of being involved in a property crime just .07%.
#15 Northbrook
Located in Cook County, Northbrook is a village on Chicago’s affluent North Shore. Home to 33,100 residents, several corporate headquarters are located here such as Underwriters Laboratories and Crate & Barrel. The violent crime rate in Northbrook is 30, and residents have just a 1.5% chance of being affected by property crime.
#16 Winnetka
Located 16 miles north of downtown Chicago, Winnetka is a village in northern Cook County. Home to 12,100 residents, the community was named the richest town in the state and the second richest in the country. It is certainly a safe place to live, with a violent crime rate of 32.7 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.3%.
#17 Palos Hills
A southwest Chicago suburb, Palos Hills is located in Cook County and is home to 17,400 residents. Established in 1969, the city covers just 4.29 square miles and is served by the North Palos School District. The violent crime rate here is 34.2, and residents have just a .07% chance of being affected by property crime.
#18 Minooka
A village in Grundy, Kendall, and Will Counties, Minooka is home to 10,900 residents. This growing community is considered a thriving spot for residential, commercial, and industrial activity as well as being a safe place to call home. The violent crime rate in Minooka is 36.5, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.3%.
#19 Warrenville
Located in DuPage County, Warrenville is a city of 13,100 residents. The city encompasses 5.62 square miles and is considered a part of the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor. Living in Warrenville is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 37.8 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.1%.
#20 Wilmette
A village in the New Trier Township, Wilmette is located in Cook County and is just 14 miles north of downtown Chicago. Home to 27,000 residents, this bedroom community was ranked the best place to live in Illinois in 2015. The violent crime rate here is 40.4, and residents have a 1.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#21 Lake Zurich
A village in Lake County in a northwest suburb of Chicago, Lake Zurich is named for the body of water that resides completely within the community. Home to 19,600 residents, the community was named by U.S. News as a top affordable place to live in the U.S. and by Nerdwallet.com as number one for families in the state. The violent crime rate here is 40.6, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Lake Zurich is 1.4%.
#22 Lindenhurst
A village within the Lake Villa Township in Lake County, Lindenhurst is home to 14,400 residents. The village is known for its selective land annexation and tight restrictions, that have allowed it to maintain its small-town atmosphere. The violent crime rate here is 41.3 and residents have just a .06% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#23 Palatine
Located in Cook County, the village of Palatine is a northwestern suburb of Chicago. Home to 69,300 residents, the village is known for its popular annual celebrations such as its summer Streetfest and its Fourth of July Celebration. The violent crime rate in Palatine is 42.1, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 1.2%.
#24 Wood Dale
A city in Addison Township in DuPage County, Wood Dale is home to 13,700 residents. Originally known as Lester’s Station after an early settler, the city encompasses 4.84 square miles and is a safe place to call home. The violent crime rate in Wood Dale is 43.3, and residents have a 1.6% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#25 Cary
Located in Algonquin Township in McHenry County, Cary is a village with a population of 18,200 residents. The village was founded in 1841 and is served by several different public school districts. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 43.7 and the chance of being affected by property crime in the village just 1.1%.
#26 Plano
Located in Kendall County near Aurora, Plano is a city of 10,800 residents. A longtime agricultural community, the town was used as a setting for the 2011 Superman movie, Man of Steel, and now holds an annual celebration called “Smallville Superfest” each August. The violent crime rate in Plano is 45.3, and residents have a 1.2% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#27 Worth
A village in Cook County, Worth is considered a suburb of Chicago. Home to 10,700 residents, the village encompasses just 2.38 square miles and is considered a safe place to call home. The violent crime rate in Worth is 46.1, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is just 1.1%.
#28 Palos Heights
Also located in Cook County, Palos Heights is a city of 12,500 residents. The city is made of up nine distinct neighborhoods and is served by four different school districts. The violent crime rate here is 47.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime in Palos Heights is less than 1%.
#29 Oswego
A village in Kendall County, Oswego is home to 30,300 residents. Part of the village sits adjacent to the Fox River, and the community was named by CNNMoney in its top 100 best towns to live. The violent crime rate in Oswego is 51.8, and residents have a 1.6% chance of being affected by property crime.
#30 Roselle
A village in DuPage and Cook Counties, Roselle is home to 22,700 residents. Considered a western suburb of Chicago, the village is home to the Lynfred Winery and is undergoing a downtown redevelopment project. The violent crime rate here is 52.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime is 1.3%.
#31 St. Charles
Another Chicago suburb, St. Charles is a city in Kane County that is home to 33,300 residents. The city’s motto is “Pride of the Fox” as the Fox River runs through the center of town. The downtown district has been ranked in the region’s top 10 by the Chicago Tribune, and this is a safe place to live. The violent crime rate in St. Charles is 54.1, and residents have a 1.5% chance of being affected by property crime here.
#32 Arlington Heights
Located in Cook County, the village of Arlington Heights is approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Home to 75,100 residents, it is the most populous “village” in the U.S. and is known for its Arlington Park Race Track where an annual Breeders’ Cup qualifying event is held. The violent crime rate here is 54.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime is just 1.5%.
#33 Frankfort
A village in Will and Cook Counties, Frankfort is home to 17,700 residents. At one time it was named one of the fastest growing communities in the U.S., and it encompasses just under 15 square miles of land. The violent crime rate in Frankfort is 55.9, and residents have a 1% chance of being affected by property crime.
#34 Shorewood
Located in Will County, Shorewood is a village of 15,600 residents. The village sits along the DuPage River and had its start as a fishing and resort community. With a developed town center and many parks, this is a safe place to call home. The violent crime rate in Shorewood is 57.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.2%.
#35 Glen Ellyn
A village in DuPage County, Glen Ellyn is home to 27,400 residents. The village sits about 25 miles west of Chicago and is home to its Lake Ellyn and the main campus of College of DuPage. The violent crime rate here is 57.8, and residents have a 1.3% chance of being affected by property crime.
#36 Mokena
A village in Will County, Mokena has a current population of 18,700 residents. The town’s name is derived from a Native American word meaning “turtle.” It is also home to Joliet Junior College, the nation’s first public community college. The violent crime rate in Mokena is 58.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.1%.
#37 Park Ridge
A northwest Chicago suburb, Park Ridge is located in Cook County and is home to 37,400 residents. This town actually sits on a ridge and is the hometown to such notable figures as Harrison Ford and Hilary Rodham Clinton. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 58.4 and your chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.2%.
#38 Darien
Located in DuPage County, Darien is a city of 22,000 residents. Named after the Connecticut town by New England settlers, the town’s motto is “A nice place to live.” It is also a safe place to live, with a violent crime rate of 58.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.3%.
#39 Streator
Located in north-central Illinois in LaSalle and Livingston Counties, Streator is home to 13,700 residents. The city sits along the Vermilion River in a region known as Streatorland. With a history in coal, much of the local economy is still tied to natural resources. The violent crime rate here is 58.5, and residents have a 3.1% of being affected by property crime.
#40 Bloomingdale
A village in DuPage County, Bloomingdale is located approximately 25 miles west of Chicago. Home to 22,000 residents, this is one of the earliest settled villages in the county, and there are many current shopping and recreational opportunities here. The violent crime rate in Bloomingdale is 58.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime is 2.9%.
#41 Mount Prospect
Located approximately 22 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Mount Prospect is a village in Cook County. Home to 54,100 residents, the village was named by Business Week as the best city in which to raise children. The violent crime rate here is 58.8, and residents have a 1.3% chance of being affected by property crime.
#42 Lockport
A city in Will County, Lockport is home to 25,000 residents. Nicknamed “City of Historic Pride”, Lockport is known for its role along the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which originally linked these two rivers to the Great Lakes. This is also a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 60 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.2%.
#43 Downers Grove
A village in southern DuPage County, Downers Grove is considered a western suburb of Chicago and is home to 49,700 residents. The village is home to several national headquarters such as Advocate Health Care and Dover Corporation as well as the regional offices of Microsoft, MetLife, and State Farm. The violent crime rate here is 60.2, and residents have a 2% chance of being affected by property crime.
#44 Glen Carbon
Located 19 miles northeast of St. Louis, Glen Carbon is a village in Madison County. Home to 12,900 residents, the community is served by one of the top-rated school districts in the state and has three large parks for residents. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 62 and the chance of being involved in a property crime just .05%.
#45 Elk Grove Village
Located in both Cook and DuPage Counties, Elk Grove Village is a village of 33,100 residents. The village sits adjacent to Chicago O’Hare International Airport and is home to the largest industrial park in the country. The violent crime rate here is 63.1, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Elk Grove Village is just 2%.
#46 Vernon Hills
An affluent northern suburb of Chicago, Vernon Hills is a village located in Lake County. Home to 20,100 residents, many of the village’s top employers are corporate headquarters. These include Zebra Technologies, CDW, and American Hotel Register. The violent crime rate in Vernon Hills is 71.4, and residents have a 2.2% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#47 Lake Forest
Located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Lake County, Lake Forest is a city in Chicago’s North Shore area. Home to 19,300 residents, the area is noted for its history of polo and has been named a Tree City USA for 26 years. The violent crime rate here is 72, and there is almost no chance of being affected by property crime in Lake Forest at just .02%.
#48 Elmhurst
A city in DuPage and Cook Counties, Elmhurst is considered a western Chicago suburb and is home to 45,100 residents. The city is home to Elmhurst College and an annual Memorial Day Parade that has been running since 1918. The violent crime rate in Elmhurst is 72, and residents have a 1.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#49 Wauconda
Located in Lake County, Wauconda is a village of 13,600 residents. The community is home to the Wauconda Bog Nature Preserve, a National Natural Landmark, and this is a safe place to call home. The violent crime rate in Wauconda is 73.2, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 1.1%.
#50 Sycamore
A city in DeKalb County, Sycamore is home to 17,500 residents. The city serves as the county seat and is the site of the popular and long-running Sycamore Pumpkin Festival each fall. The violent crime rate in Sycamore is 74.5, and residents have a 1.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.
