Traveling and taking a road trip across the United States of America is a very common goal for many Americans.
Whether they are visiting National Parks or trying to see all fifty states, there are so many things to do and see in the United States.
The country is vastly varying in its landscape, with wide-open spaces and big cities, deserts and tundras, mountains and oceans, lakes and rivers, and everything you can think of in between.
Illinois is one of the great states that you can visit on your road trip.
If you are traveling to Illinois, you may think that it is all open cornfields and flat land.
Although it is an agricultural state, there are also many other things that it has to offer.
The city of Chicago is a popular tourist destination and is located in the northern part of the state.
There are also lakes and rivers, and a lot of outdoor activities to do.
Anytime you travel, it is important to know the crime rates and safety information for the state you are traveling to.
Illinois has a pretty average rating in crime categories, which means it is close to the national average for property crime and violent crime.
In fact, the property crime rate is much lower than the national average.
The property crime rate is 15.6 (meaning it affects 15.6 out of every 1,000 people), which is much lower than the national average of 19.6.
The violent crime rate is 4.3, just slightly higher than the national average of 4.0.
When you are scheduling your trip to Illinois, keep the safest and most dangerous cities in your mind.
There are some great places to visit in Illinois.
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The Ten Safest Cities in Illinois
Campton Hills
Campton Hills has always been a village and not a town because of its smaller population.
They focus a lot on maintaining their semi-rural village and its environment.
They also focus a lot on great schools and community.
The population of Campton Hills is just over 11,000 people.
The property crime rate is 1.5 and the violent crime rate is 0.1.
Channahon
Channahon is located 45 miles southwest of Chicago and not much further from Lake Michigan.
It is adjacent to the Illinois Waterway System and is within driving distance of both Chicago airports.
Channahon is also well known for its memorial tree walk, where citizens of the village can plant a tree in memory of a loved one. It is a peaceful place that will one day be an arboretum.
The population of Channahon is almost 13,000 people.
The property crime rate is 4.5 and the violent crime rate is 0.7.
Palatine
Palatine is a village that is well known for bicycling and outdoor activities.
It is a quaint and small village that is also focused on serving the community, with a nurses lending closet and many other community resources.
The population of Palatine is almost 69,000 residents.
The property crime rate is 5.2 and the violent crime rate is 0.4.
Palos Hills
Palos Hills is a small town that is focused on outdoor recreation and community living.
They have an active community center with events for all ages, a golf club, and many outdoor parks.
The population of Palos Hills is over 17,000 people.
The property crime rate is 4.8 and the violent crime rate is 1.0.
Hanover Park
Hanover Park is another village in Illinois that is focused on families and communities.
In fact, they recently opened a center for teens called the Alive Center.
This is a center where teens can come for interaction and education outside of school hours.
It is a safe place where they can learn and thrive.
The population of Hanover Park is almost 38,000 people.
The property crime rate is 5.1 and the violent crime rate is 1.1.
South Elgin
South Elgin is another village in Illinois that has a lot of outdoor activities available.
In addition to their parks, facilities, schools, and libraries, they also have a program called Preschool Pals.
One to two times a week, children receive education with licensed teachers and a curriculum that will help them learn and grow.
South Elgin has a population of almost 23,000 individuals.
The property crime rate is 4.2 and the violent crime rate is 1.1.
Deerfield
The Village of Deerfield is located in Lake County and is a small village with a lot to offer.
It is also located outside of Chicago, so it is in close proximity to the amenities of city living and city jobs.
The village is focused on community and offers family days, where families can all gather together and celebrate holidays or seasonal festivals.
Deerfield’s population is just above 19,000 people.
The property crime rate is 7.2 and the violent crime rate is 0.2.
Shorewood
Shorewood, Illinois is located about 45 minutes from Chicago and is a popular place for families.
There are family activities such as ball fields and parks.
There are also splash parks, bandstands, and lakes.
Families can live a full and community-centered life in Shorewood, with all the amenities of a big city only a short distance away.
The population of Shorewood is just above 17,000 people.
The property crime rate is 5.8 and the violent crime rate is 0.8.
Lindenhurst
The village of Lindenhurst, Illinois is located around many forest preserves and open spaces.
The preserved walking trails and open environment make it a popular place to visit for those who love the outdoors.
It is close to Chicago, and it has its own shopping, entertainment, and dining.
Lindenhurst has a population of almost 14,500 people.
The property crime rate is 4.0 and the violent crime rate is 0.9.
Hinsdale
Hinsdale, Illinois is another village near Chicago that offers a family-friendly environment.
They have a community pool, shopping centers, parks, and recreation centers.
They also have great holiday events.
Hinsdale, Illinois has a population of almost 18,000 people.
The property crime rate is 5.5 and the violent crime rate is 0.1.
Five Safety Tips for Traveling in Illinois
Be prepared.
This boy scout’s motto is not only true for troops, but it is also true for travelers.
You can stay safe if you are prepared for any circumstance that may happen when you are traveling.
Pack extra clothes, blankets, a toothbrush, an extra phone charger, a map, and tools to use if you have car trouble.
This can include a spare tire, jumper cables, a jack, and more.
Never travel alone.
Criminals often target tourists that are alone and distracted.
If you are traveling, try to travel with a buddy or with a group.
When you travel with more than just yourself, you have people who are looking out for you.
This will also give you options when it comes to driving.
More than one person can drive if everyone is tired.
Get a map.
Whether it is a digital map or a printed one, you need to have a way to know where you are if you are lost.
If you are using a phone or GPS, make sure you have chargers for those devices.
These maps will help you in an emergency.
Plan out your stops.
If you know where you are leaving from and where your destination is, plan out where you will stop along the way for tourist stops, gas, bathroom breaks, and food.
This can help you avoid the less safe and possibly sketchy areas of the state on your road trip.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
Distracted individuals are easy targets for criminals.
If you are in a public place, try to make sure that you are not distracted by your phone or other electronic devices.
If you are traveling with children, make sure they are with you at all times.
Distractions can contribute to crimes.
Sources
- https://camptonhills.illinois.gov/
- https://www.channahon.org/
- https://www.palatine.il.us/
- https://www.paloshillsweb.org/
- https://www.hpil.org/
- https://www.southelgin.com/
- https://www.deerfield.il.us/
- https://vil.shorewood.il.us/
- https://www.lindenhurstil.org/
- https://www.villageofhinsdale.org/
Illinois Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Illinois Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a specific region in Illinois that I should avoid?
There are no specific regions that you should avoid in Illinois.
There are safe cities all over the state, and if you follow the safety tips above, you can visit any city safely as long as you are aware of the dangers and stay alert.
What is the most dangerous city in Illinois?
East St. Louis is the most dangerous city in Illinois.
It is on the list of the FBI’s most dangerous cities in the nation.
The property crime rate is very high at 14.9, and the violent crime rate is 11.3.
How dangerous is the city of Chicago?
Chicago is not the most dangerous city in Illinois, but it is certainly not the safest.
With such a high population, the crime rate will most likely be higher regardless of the city.
However, the property crime rate is very high at 25.5.
This is much higher than the state average.
The violent crime rate is also much higher than the state average, but it is not the most dangerous city.
The violent crime rate is 9.7.
I absolutely love exploring new places, and safety is always a top priority for me. It’s great to see a list of the safest cities in Illinois! I’ve visited a few of them already, and it’s reassuring to know that my next adventure can be in one of these secure locations.
Safety is a crucial factor when planning my travels, so this list is incredibly helpful. I’m always on the lookout for destinations that combine both safety and exciting experiences. It’s fantastic to know that Illinois has some cities that offer both.