Safest Cities in Illinois (2025): Chicago Safety, Best Suburbs, Cheap‑&‑Safe Towns + Up to 75% Rebate

Worried about crime in Illinois—or just want a suburb where school runs feel stress‑free? Start here.

This guide answers the big ones people ask every day: “Is Chicago safe?” “What are the safest Chicago suburbs?” “Is Elmhurst/Joliet/Berwyn safe?” “Where are the cheapest & safest places to live in Illinois?”

Below, you’ll find the safest cities in Illinois for 2025, quick verdicts on the most‑searched towns, and a buyer playbook to save up to 75% of the agent commission when you purchase with reAlpha.

These towns combine low crime, great schools, and stable markets—ideal for families and first-time buyers.

Byron, IL ranks high for peace of mind—but even higher for affordability.

• Byron reported 0 violent crimes in 2024 (source: local PD)

• Close-knit community, ideal for retirees and small families

• Low home prices = smart entry point for first-time buyers

Use these fast takes to narrow your short‑list; verify street‑level fit with a daytime + evening drive.

• Violent Crimes: 0 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crimes: 0.1 per 1,000 residents

• Highlight: Only 1 reported burglary in the past year

Campton Hills leads every safety list with crime rates near zero. Families love the quiet streets, excellent schools, and community-led policing. It’s a hidden gem in Kane County and perfect for buyers using first-time programs.

Want more towns like this? Check out the safest places to live in Georgia.

• Violent Crimes: 0.5/1,000

• Property Crimes: 5.0/1,000

• Highlight: Thriving downtown + excellent public safety investment

Libertyville balances charm, community policing, and top-tier education. It’s ideal for families who want suburban life near Chicago, with proven safety and walkability.

Looking for safe + affordable alternatives? Explore affordable cities in Colorado.

• Violent Crimes: 0.6/1,000

• Property Crimes: 4.8/1,000

• Highlight: Tight-knit, active neighborhoods

With only 14,000 residents, Wauconda feels like home. It ranks among the lowest in property crime and continues to attract families seeking affordability + peace of mind.

See where else you can live securely: Explore safest places in South Carolina.

• Violent Crimes: 0.4/1,000

• Property Crimes: 3.9/1,000

• Highlight: One of IL’s fastest-growing, safest towns

Pingree Grove blends small-town warmth with new developments. It's becoming a favorite for first-time buyers and young families.

Want low-crime communities nationwide? See safest places to live in North Carolina.

• Violent Crimes: 0/1,000

• Property Crimes: 2.5/1,000

• Highlight: Elite emergency services + top-tier schools

Western Springs is clean, affluent, and tightly secured. It ranks consistently in statewide safety and offers fast response times + community trust.

Considering Florida instead? See safest places to live in Florida.

• Violent Crimes: 1.1/1,000

• Property Crimes: 6.2/1,000

• Highlight: Large police force, suburban-urban blend

With a population over 140,000, Naperville still maintains strong public safety. It’s perfect for those seeking city-level amenities in a safer, suburban setting.

Buying here? Learn how to get pre-approved with reAlpha.

• Violent Crimes: 0.7/1,000

• Property Crimes: 4.1/1,000

• Highlight: Low cost of living + solid law enforcement

Chatham offers peace of mind without the high suburban price tag. It’s a great fit for retirees and budget-conscious families looking for a secure Midwest lifestyle.

Looking west? Explore affordable places to live in Arizona.

Find the Perfect Mortgage in Illinois with Be My Neighbor.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance—all in one place.

Get Pre-approved

If you’re worried about floods, tornadoes, or winter storms, these towns offer more than just low crime.

• Is Naperville IL safe from tornadoes and flooding? Yes. Naperville has one of Illinois’ strongest emergency systems, including early-warning sirens, storm shelters, and a proactive public works team that helps minimize storm damage.

• Is Aurora IL less prone to flooding? Aurora ranks among the safest cities for flood protection thanks to its updated infrastructure, stormwater management, and low floodplain exposure.

• Is Galesburg IL a safe city for severe weather? Located inland, Galesburg sees fewer tornadoes and hurricanes compared to southern or river-adjacent towns. It’s ideal for weather-wary retirees and families.

Bonus Insight: These cities combine climate resilience with affordable housing and top-rated schools, making them safe bets for long-term living.

Illinois offers a rare combo—safe towns, strong jobs, and affordable homes, especially outside big metros.

Top reasons to move to Illinois:

• Safe towns like Campton Hills, Libertyville, and Naperville with low crime rates

• Affordable homes with down payment support for first-time buyers

• Diverse lifestyle options: from Chicago suburbs to peaceful small towns

• High-rated schools and strong healthcare access

But consider: Harsh winters, higher property taxes in some counties, and traffic near Chicago

• Illinois ≠ Chicago. Outside major metros, many towns post very low violent‑crime rates.
• Neighborhood > city average. Block‑by‑block differences beat city‑wide stats for decision quality.
• 3 checks that matter: (1) recent 6–12 month incident trend near the exact address, (2) police response times & community programs, (3) night‑time noise/activity scan.

Unlock rebates that stack when you bundle with reAlpha:

• 25% back when you buy with a reAlpha agent
• 50% back when you add reAlpha Mortgage
• Up to 75% back when you add the Title too

Use the rebate to lower your rate (buydown), beef up down payment, or fund security upgrades (smart locks, cams, lighting).

Campton Hills consistently tops lists with near‑zero violent crime and a small‑town, community‑policing feel.

Start with Western Springs, Libertyville, Elmhurst, Naperville, Glenview, Hinsdale, Channahon, Lake Bluff, and Pingree Grove-then compare commute + school zones.

Yes-if you choose the right pocket. Many families target Edison Park, Norwood Park, Forest Glen, Mount Greenwood, Beverly, Lincoln Park, Lakeview for calmer streets and parks.

Look at Pingree Grove, Chatham, Loves Park, Sycamore, Belvidere, Sterling, Wood River, Wauconda. Buy the best block, not just the best ZIP.

• Elmhurst: family‑centric suburb; steady.
• Joliet: pocket‑specific; tour day & night.
• Berwyn: urban‑suburban, transit‑rich; verify the block.
• Schaumburg: predictable services; HOAs help with quiet hours.

Find the Perfect Mortgage in Illinois with Be My Neighbor.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance—all in one place.

Get Pre-approved