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 "Safest Cities" series evaluates and ranks the safest cities in each U.S. state using crime data from the FBI and state databases. Our analysis considers population size, violent and nonviolent crime rates, the most common crime, and comparisons to national and state averages. Violent crimes include homicide, assault, robbery, and sexual assault, while nonviolent crimes encompass burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offenses. Each city’s safety score is weighted, emphasizing violent crimes. Data inconsistencies and reporting variations are acknowledged as limitations. This analysis aims to help individuals and families make informed decisions about where to live.
The Top 10 Safest Cities in Illinois
1. Campton Hills
Population: 10,795
Most Recent Number of Violent Crimes: 0
Most Recent Number of Nonviolent Crimes: 0
Most Common Crime: na
The village of Campton Hills, the safest city in the state epitomizes safety and community engagement. With no crimes reported in 2023, this community is found about 45 miles to the west of Chicago. Residents appreciate the safety along with wide open spaces, equestrian trails, and a strong sense of community.
Like other nearby villages, Campton Hills has a fairly high cost of living, with a median house price around $615,000. The village cost reflect a high quality of life, spacious new home properties, and access to a major metropolitan area. You will love the opportunity to get outdoors and play some disc golf or head to nearby golf courses.
2. Elburn
Population: 6,559
Most Recent Number of Violent Crimes: 3
Most Recent Number of Nonviolent Crimes: 34
Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
Elburn sits at #2 on the list of safest cities in Illinois with minimal crimes reported. Only about 50 miles west of Chicago, the violent crime rate here is far below the national average, and property crimes are rare enough to be newsworthy when they happen.
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 one of the safest villages around? The median home price in Elburn is around $470,000. The Metra station makes commuting to the Windy City a breeze. Enjoy the scenic farmland and wooded trails in a more affordable Chicago suburb.
3. Manhattan
Population: 10,547
Most Recent Number of Violent Crimes: 5
Most Recent Number of Nonviolent Crimes: 26
Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
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.
Residents enjoy a tranquil, suburban lifestyle with a significantly lower crime rate than the national average. Found 40 miles southwest of Chicago, small town charm, a moderate cost of living, and a safe and friendly community await you. Looking for a new home? The median home price here is around $400,000.
4. Hawthorn Woods
Population: 9,373
Most Recent Number of Violent Crimes: 0
Most Recent Number of Nonviolent Crimes: 10
Most Common Crime: Larceny, Theft
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. Crime here is practically an afterthought, with rates that sit far below state and national averages. The upscale, friendly village reported no violent crimes in 2023.
Looking to escape the noise while keeping the big city within reach? This is a community built around tranquility—winding streets, well-manicured parks, and homes set against lush green backdrops. The Hawthorn Woods Country Club and numerous nature preserves make it clear that outdoor living is a priority here. With excellent schools, families enjoy peace of mind. Exclusivity comes at a cost with home values reflecting the demand and commitment to maintaining the character of the town. Median home prices come in at just over $675,000.
5. Gilberts
Population: 8,772
Violent Crimes: 3
Nonviolent Crimes: 16
Most Common Crime: Larceny, Burglary
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 2023, helping give the town a solid safety ranking.
With only 45 miles separating Gilberts from Chicago, this is a great commuter locale. Residents can easily access the city's vast employment opportunities, cultural institutions, and entertainment venues. This balance of serene suburban living and urban accessibility makes Gilberts particularly attractive to families and professionals seeking both tranquility and convenience.
6. Huntley
Population: 28,269
Most Recent Number of Violent Crimes: 12
Most Recent Number of Nonviolent Crimes: 151
Most Common Crime: Larceny, Burglary
A village located in both McHenry and Kane counties, Huntley has one of the larger populations on our list, with residency topping 28,000 people. Known as “the friendly village with country charm,” Huntley reported only 12 violent crimes.
Favorite local activities include visiting the 28-acre Deicke Park and watching baseball games at Warrington Park. The housing market offers a range of options, from affordable single-family homes to more upscale residences, catering to various preferences and budgets.
7. Hinsdale
Population: 17,297
Most Recent Number of Violent Crimes: 2
Most Recent Number of Nonviolent Crimes: 65
Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
Located in both Cook and DuPage counties, Hinsdale is a western suburb of Chicago. Hinsdale has more than 17,000 residents. As far as home prices go, Hinsdale is on the pricey side, with median home values at $1,000,000+.
With crime statistics fairing statistically lower than the nation, the peace of mind that comes with a home in this suburban enclave is immeasurable. Along with a robust economy, small businesses thrive and excellent schools provide top-tier education. Give Hinsdale some serious consideration when looking for a safe environment for your new home locale.
8. Justice
Population: 12,081
Most Recent Number of Violent Crimes: 4
Most Recent Number of Nonviolent Crimes: 59
Most Common Crime: Larceny, Burglary, Theft
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.
The perks of Chicago are at your disposal as Justice is located 15 miles southwest of downtown. From cultural venues to diverse employment opportunities, this locale puts you close to it all. A moderate cost of living is another perk. Home prices are quite affordable, averaging around $330,000.
9. La Grange Park
Population: 13,011
Most Recent Number of Violent Crimes: 6
Most Recent Number of Nonviolent Crimes: 100
Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
La Grange Park, Illinois, isn’t just a suburb of Chicago—it’s a small-town haven tucked inside the metropolitan sprawl, where tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes give the place a timeless, almost cinematic charm. Safety here isn’t just a statistic; it’s part of the local identity. Crime rates in La Grange Park are significantly lower than both state and national averages, with violent crime nearly nonexistent.
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. The Salt Creek Bike Trail, which runs through the village, offers miles of scenic paths, while the local parks and forest preserves provide a rare balance between suburban development and nature.
10. Naperville
Population: 150,245
Most Recent Number of Violent Crimes: 96
Most Recent Number of Nonviolent Crimes: 1,291
Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
Naperville is the last city on our list but also the largest, with more than 150,000 residents. The fourth largest city in the state, Naperville is 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.
Sitting about 30 miles west of Chicago, Naperville offers an escape from big-city stress while keeping the Windy City within easy reach. Its downtown, lined with historic buildings, boutiques, and some of the best dining in the suburbs, gives the city a character that’s both refined and accessible. The Riverwalk, often called the “crown jewel” of Naperville, meanders through the heart of the city, offering a scenic spot for runners, dog walkers, and families. This is a place that manages to balance small-town charm with big-city energy. Home prices average between $515,500 and $642,000.
Other Illinois Resources
Best Tiny Home Builders in Illinois
The 10 Best State Parks in Illinois
The Top 9 Best Places to Live in Illinois
How to Build a House in Illinois
10 Most Affordable Cities in Illinois
Your 2021 Guide to Closing Costs in Illinois
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Illinois
Top 10 Safest Cities in Illinois
Sarah Scott
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.