12 Safest Cities in Illinois
- Campton Hills
- Sandwich
- Naperville
- Gilberts
- South Elgin
- La Grange Park
- Deerfield
- Buffalo Grove
- Hanover Park
- Palos Hills
- Hinsdale
- Western Springs
1. Campton Hills
The safest city in Illinois is Campton Hills. This western suburb of Chicago is located in Kane County and is an extremely safe place to live. With a population of 11,131, Campton Hills has a crime rate of 71 per 100,000, which is 96% lower than the Illinois average. Campton Hills offers residents a quiet, relaxed suburban vibe with lots of green space and nearby restaurants. Despite being just outside of Chicago, Campton Hills is the safest place to live in Illinois.
2. Sandwich
Sandwich is another one of the safest places to live in Illinois. Located in Dekalb and Kendall Counties, about an hour west of Chicago, Sandwich is a small city with a population of 7,189. It has a rural, small-town atmosphere, and it’s known for its many antique shops and the annual county fair. Sandwich is very safe and has a total crime rate of 84 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 96% lower than the national average. Both the property crime rate and the violent crime rate are also 96% lower than the rest of the country. Your chances of being the victim of a crime in Sandwich are 1 in 1195.
3. Naperville
Naperville is a bustling Chicago suburb that is also one of the safest cities in Illinois. Located just outside Chicago, Naperville is safer than 90% of other Illinois cities. It's also the fourth largest city in Illinois, with a population of around 145,000.
Parks and historical sites are abundant in Naperville, with locations like Centennial Beach, a former quarry that has been repurposed into a community swimming area. Other sites include the Naper Settlement, a collection of historic sites and homes in the town.
4. Gilberts
Gilberts is another safe Illinois city. Gilberts is a serene village in Kane County that is home to 8,366 residents. It’s a very peaceful, family-friendly environment with quality schools and plenty of public parks. Plus, Chicago is only 45 miles away. The total crime rate in Gilbert is 336 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it 86% safer than the rest of the country. The murder rate is zero, and the violent crime rate is also 97% lower than the rest of the country. Your chances of being the victim of a crime in Gilberts are 1 in 298.
5. South Elgin
South Elgin is also one of the safest places to live in Illinois. Located in Kane County, the city has seen a boom in recent construction. With a population of 23,865, South Elgin has a crime rate that is 74% lower than the Illinois average. South Elgin is a population destination for young families and made Money Magazine’s “America’s Best Places to Live” list in 2007 and 2011. The median home price in South Elgin is $200,100.
6. La Grange Park
La Grange Park is located in Cook County and has a population of 13,475. La Grange Park has a total crime rate of 609 per 100,000 which is 69% lower than the Illinois average. La Grange Park is a great town for families and commuters that work in Chicago. La Grange has great schools and a charming downtown with many restaurants and an old movie theatre.
7. Deerfield
Deerfield is a quiet suburban community located in Lake County. With a population of 19,196, Deerfield has a total crime rate of 636 per 100,000 which is 68% lower than the Illinois state average. Deerfield is often listed among the wealthiest places in the Midwest, with a median household income of $143,729. The Deerfield Historic Village is an outdoor museum that consists of five historic buildings and includes some of the oldest buildings in Lake County.
8. Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove is a safe Illinois city with a population of 43,212, located just outside of Chicago. Buffalo Grove is safer than 63% of other Illinois cities. Buffalo Grove is a wealthy community that is home to several corporate business parks that cater to education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The town has close access the Chicago while offering a full-scale shopping center and a wide array of dining options.
9. Hanover Park
Hanover Park is a quiet and safe suburban town just outside of Chicago. With a population of 8,331, Hanover Park has a crime rate that is 62% lower than the state average. Hanover Park is perfect for young families and offers many outdoor activities while being just a short drive from downtown Chicago. Hanover Park is very affordable, with a median home price of $168,100.
10. Palos Hills
Palos Hills has a population of 19,000 and a crime rate that is 61% lower than the Illinois state average. Palos Hills has a culture focused on outdoor recreation and community living, with biking trails, golf clubs, and several outdoor parks. Palos Hills is a great mixture of safety and affordability, with a median home price of $199,500.
11. Hinsdale
Hinsdale is a village in the Chicago metro area with an American small-town feel. With a population of 17,395, Hinsdale has a total crime rate of 1,025 per 100,000 which is 56% lower than the US average. Hinsdale’s downtown is a National Register Historic District, hosting numerous community events annually. Hinsdale also has several parks that provide tennis courts, sports fields, and scenic open spaces.
12. Western Springs
Western Springs is located in Cook County and has a population of 12,975. The total crime rate in Western Springs is 1,036 per 100,000, which is 50% lower than the Illinois state average. Residents enjoy a quiet lifestyle in this small suburban community. The Western Springs Service Club hosts a private pool, among other outdoor activities for the community. Western Springs is a wealthy community and has a median home price of $530,800.