While perhaps best known for the city of Chicago and its sports teams, Illinois is also home to the McDonald’s No. 1 Store Museum and the most nuclear power plants in the United States. Illinois also has plenty of affordable small towns, sprawling cornfields, and farmland. Ready to move to the Land of Lincoln? We compiled a list of the 10 safest cities in the state to help inform your choice. You can also find the best Illinois cities for retirees!
The Top 10 Safest Cities in Illinois
1. Elburn
- Population: 5,900
- Violent Crimes: 0 (0 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 13 (0.2203 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
91.42% Below National Crime Rate, 90.57% Below State Crime Rate
Elburn sits at the top of the list of safest cities in Illinois with a reported zero violent crimes in the past year. Only about 50 miles west of Chicago, Elburn holds several annual community events, the largest of which, Elburn Days, is held the third weekend of August and features a parade. Ready to move to the safest village around? Home prices average in the high $200,000s to low $300,000s.
2. Campton Hills
- Population: 11,305
- Violent Crimes: 1 (0.0088 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 17 (0.1504 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
93.80% Below National Crime Rate, 93.19% Below State Crime Rate
Just northeast of Elburn lies the village of Campton Hills, the second safest city in the state with only one violent crime committed in the past year. Like other nearby villages, Campton Hills has a fairly high cost of living, with a median house price around $400,000.
3. Manhattan
- Population: 7,879
- Violent Crimes: 2 (0.0254 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 26 (0.330 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
86.16% Below National Crime Rate, 84.79% Below State Crime Rate
Not to be mistaken for the city in New York, Manhattan is a village southwest of Chicago. Incorporated in 1886, Manhattan originated as a farming village that attracted a large population of Irish immigrants. The community celebrates its Irish history with the Irish Fest each spring. The median home price here averages in the mid-$200,000s.
4. Hawthorn Woods
- Population: 8,504
- Violent Crimes: 0 (0 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 40 (0.4704 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny, Burglary and Car Theft
81.69% Below National Crime Rate, 79.87% Below State Crime Rate
Incorporated in 1958, Hawthorn Woods is a modern village in Lake County, about 40 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Hawthorn Woods prides itself on its open spaces, quality amenities and friendly attitude. The village can add a high safety rating to its list of accomplishments, as no violent crimes were committed in the prior year.
5. Gilberts
- Population: 8,254
- Violent Crimes: 3 (0.0363 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 20 (0.2423 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny, Burglary and Aggravated Assault
89.15% Below National Crime Rate, 88.08% Below State Crime Rate
Incorporated in 1890, Gilberts has grown from a thousand or so residents 20 years ago into a thriving town. Despite its growth, Gilberts retains its small-town charm and feel, making it an attractive destination for anyone looking to escape the nearby, bustling city of Chicago. In addition, Gilberts reported only three violent crimes in the past year, helping give the town a solid safety ranking.
6. Huntley
- Population: 27,637
- Violent Crimes: 9 (0.0326 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 99 (0.3582 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny, Burglary and Aggravated Assault
84.78% Below National Crime Rate, 83.28% Below State Crime Rate
A village located in both McHenry and Kane counties, Huntley has one of the larger populations on our list, with residency topping 27,000 people. Known as “the friendly village with country charm,” Huntley reported only nine violent crimes in the past year. Favorite local activities include visiting the 28-acre Deicke Park and watching baseball games at Warrington Park.
7. Hinsdale
- Population: 17,831
- Violent Crimes: 2 (0.0112 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 98 (0.5496 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
78.16% Below National Crime Rate, 76% Below State Crime Rate
Located in both Cook and DuPage counties, Hinsdale is a western suburb of Chicago. Developed in the late 1800s, Hinsdale quickly became one of the most thriving suburbs of Chicago, earning itself a local magazine feature in 1897. Development didn’t stop there, and now Hinsdale has more than 17,000 residents. As far as home prices go, Hinsdale is on the pricey side, with houses averaging at least $700,000 to $800,000.
8. Justice
- Population: 12,822
- Violent Crimes: 7 (0.0546 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 29 (0.2262 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny, Burglary, Car Theft and Aggravated Assault
89.07% Below National Crime Rate, 87.99% Below State Crime Rate
Incorporated in 1911, Justice is a village located in Cook County, just southwest of downtown Chicago. With over 250 small businesses, Justice has the liveliness of a city without the stress that comes from city life. In addition to its thriving economy, Justice also prides itself on its multiple recreational activities and parks. Home prices are quite affordable, averaging around $200,000.
9. La Grange Park
- Population: 13,411
- Violent Crimes: 5 (0.0373 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 62 (0.4623 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
80.55% Below National Crime Rate, 78.62% Below State Crime Rate
Located west of Chicago, La Grange Park has a wide variety of housing options available, with properties ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the tree-lined street and the surrounding parks and forests, including Possum Hollow Woods, Twenty-Sixth Street Woods and Brookfield Woods.
10. Naperville
- Population: 148,457
- Violent Crimes: 102 (0.068 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 202 (0.136 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
80% Below National Crime Rate, 88% Below State Crime Rate
Naperville is the last city on our list but also the largest, with more than 148,000 residents. The fourth largest city in the state, Naperville was first incorporated in 1831, making it one of the oldest communities as well. Naperville balances industrial success and maintaining natural beauty found in open spaces, such as Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve. Home prices average in the high $300,000s to the mid-$400,000s.
Other Illinois Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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