Safest Places to Live in Illinois

Illinois offers a mix of vibrant cities, charming small towns, and scenic landscapes, making it a great place to call home. Whether you prefer a bustling Chicago suburb or a peaceful rural town, safety is a key factor in choosing where to live. Fortunately, many Illinois communities stand out for their low crime rates, strong law enforcement, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Illinois faced safety challenges with a homicide rate of 8.18 per 100,000 residents and increases in gun violence and domestic violence. Despite some improvements, safety concerns remain high among residents.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the safest places to live in Illinois, exploring crime data, community insights, and overall quality of life. Plus, we’ll discuss which towns are best prepared for severe weather and whether Illinois is the right place for your next move.

These Illinois cities and towns have consistently ranked among the safest, making them ideal for families, retirees, and professionals looking for a secure and peaceful environment.

Located in Kane County, Campton Hills is often recognized as the safest city in Illinois. This quiet village has a population of just over 11,000 residents and boasts an incredibly low crime rate.

• Violent Crimes: 0 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crimes: 0.1 per 1,000 residents

• Law Enforcement: Strong community policing and neighborhood watch programs

Campton Hills has reported only one crime—a single burglary—in the past year. This remarkable statistic makes it one of the most secure places in the entire state. The village’s dedication to safety, coupled with its rural charm and excellent schools, makes it an attractive place to live.

Libertyville, located in Lake County, is a vibrant suburban community known for its family-friendly environment and high quality of life.

• Violent Crimes: 0.5 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crimes: 5.0 per 1,000 residents

• Law Enforcement: A well-funded police department with a strong focus on community engagement

Libertyville offers excellent schools, a lively downtown area, and access to numerous parks and outdoor spaces. The combination of safety, strong economic stability, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it one of the best places to live in Illinois.

This small yet thriving village in Lake County has a tight-knit community and a low crime rate, making it one of the safest places to live in Illinois.

• Violent Crimes: 0.6 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crimes: 4.8 per 1,000 residents

• Law Enforcement: Active police presence and strong neighborhood involvement

With a population of around 14,000, Wauconda offers a peaceful suburban feel, high-ranking schools, and a great quality of life. The low crime rates and safe environment make it a top choice for families.

One of the fastest-growing villages in Kane County, Pingree Grove maintains its small-town charm while offering a safe and welcoming environment.

• Violent Crimes: 0.4 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crimes: 3.9 per 1,000 residents

• Law Enforcement: Strong local policing and proactive community safety programs

Pingree Grove has reported zero burglaries this past year, reinforcing its status as one of the most secure cities in Illinois. With new housing developments, top-rated schools, and a family-oriented atmosphere, it’s an excellent place to live.

Western Springs, a charming suburb of Chicago in Cook County, is known for its low crime rates, excellent schools, and affluent community.

• Violent Crimes: 0 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crimes: 2.5 per 1,000 residents

• Law Enforcement: Efficient response times and well-funded public safety programs

The community’s strong emphasis on public safety and active law enforcement presence make it one of the best suburbs in Illinois to raise a family.

One of Illinois’ largest and most well-known suburbs, Naperville is often ranked among the best places to live in Illinois due to its combination of safety, education, and amenities.

• Violent Crimes: 1.1 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crimes: 6.2 per 1,000 residents

• Law Enforcement: A large, well-trained police force and community safety programs

While slightly larger than other towns on this list, Naperville remains one of the safest cities in Illinois, offering a perfect blend of urban and suburban living.

Located in Sangamon County near Springfield, Chatham is a quiet, family-oriented town with exceptionally low crime rates.

• Violent Crimes: 0.7 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crimes: 4.1 per 1,000 residents

• Law Enforcement: Strong police presence and community-led safety initiatives

Chatham is a great option for those looking for a safe, affordable place to live in Illinois without the high costs of larger suburban areas.

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Illinois is no stranger to severe weather, including floods, tornadoes, and winter storms. Some of the safest towns in Illinois for weather-related concerns include:

• Naperville – Strong emergency management systems and infrastructure

• Aurora – Less affected by flooding, with robust disaster response teams

• Galesburg – Inland location with lower risks of tornadoes and severe flooding

While no area is completely immune, these towns have historically experienced fewer weather-related disasters and have strong emergency preparedness programs.

Illinois offers a diverse range of communities, from bustling cities to quiet suburbs, making it a great place to live depending on your needs. The state is home to some of the safest cities in the country, such as Campton Hills, Libertyville, and Naperville, which boast low crime rates, excellent schools, and strong local economies. Illinois also provides affordable housing in many areas, a thriving job market, and a rich cultural scene with museums, theaters, and outdoor activities. However, factors like harsh winters, higher property taxes in some areas, and traffic congestion near urban centers should be considered before making a move. If safety, economic stability, and access to top-rated schools are priorities, Illinois—particularly its low-crime suburbs—can be an excellent place to call home.

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But if you're also keeping a close eye on your budget, don't worry—we’ve got you. Our guide to the most affordable places to live in Illinois shows you where safety and savings go hand in hand.

And if you're still weighing your options, wondering whether to rent or buy, you're not the only one asking that question right now. Our Rent vs. Buy comparison breaks down the pros, cons, and long-term trade-offs—so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and a plan that fits your life.

Campton Hills is the safest city in Illinois, with 0 violent crimes and only one reported burglary in 2025.

Top safe suburbs include Western Springs, Libertyville, Naperville, Buffalo Grove, and Wheaton—all with low crime rates and strong law enforcement.

Campton Hills, Pingree Grove, Libertyville, and Wauconda have some of the lowest crime rates in the state, making them ideal for safe living.

Save Big when you Buy a Home with reAlpha!

Discover how our all-in-one homebuying platform can increase your buying power and put money back in your pocket. Start your journey today!

Sign up for free