20 Worst Places to Live in Illinois: Ranking the State’s Least Desirable Cities
Illinois offers diverse living experiences across its cities and towns, from bustling urban centers to quiet rural communities.
While many areas provide excellent quality of life, some locations face challenges that may make them less desirable places to reside.
This article examines 20 Illinois locations that rank among the worst places to live based on factors like crime rates, economic opportunities, education quality, and overall livability.
The rankings draw from statistical data and local insights to provide an objective assessment of each area’s drawbacks.
Readers considering a move within Illinois may find this information useful for making informed decisions about potential places to avoid.
1. Cairo
Cairo, located at the southernmost tip of Illinois, faces significant challenges. The city has experienced a severe population decline over the past decades, with fewer than 2,000 residents remaining.
Unemployment rates in Cairo are among the highest in the state. Many businesses have closed, leaving limited job opportunities for locals.
The city’s infrastructure has deteriorated, with numerous abandoned buildings and homes in disrepair. This has contributed to safety concerns and a decline in property values.
Educational opportunities in Cairo are limited. The local school district struggles with low funding and academic performance issues.
Access to healthcare is another concern for Cairo residents. The nearest full-service hospital is over 30 miles away, creating challenges for those seeking medical care.
2. Harvey
Harvey, a suburb located south of Chicago, faces significant challenges that impact residents’ quality of life. The city struggles with high crime rates, making safety a major concern for its population.
Unemployment in Harvey is a pressing issue, with limited job opportunities available within the city limits. This economic instability contributes to financial hardships for many residents.
The education system in Harvey has faced difficulties, with some schools underperforming compared to state averages. This can affect students’ academic prospects and future opportunities.
Harvey’s infrastructure has experienced neglect over the years, resulting in deteriorating roads and public facilities. This decline in urban amenities can make daily life more challenging for residents.
Property values in Harvey have been affected by these various issues, potentially impacting homeowners’ investments. The combination of these factors has led to population decline in recent years.
3. East St. Louis
East St. Louis, located in St. Clair County, Illinois, faces significant challenges that impact residents’ quality of life. The city has struggled with high crime rates for years, consistently ranking among the most dangerous cities in the United States.
Poverty is a major issue in East St. Louis, with a large portion of the population living below the poverty line. This economic hardship has led to a decline in public services and infrastructure maintenance.
The education system in East St. Louis has faced difficulties, with low test scores and high dropout rates. Many schools lack adequate resources and funding, which affects the quality of education students receive.
Unemployment rates in East St. Louis are considerably higher than the national average. Limited job opportunities within the city force many residents to commute to nearby areas for work.
Environmental concerns also plague East St. Louis, including industrial pollution and contaminated sites. These issues can potentially impact residents’ health and well-being.
4. Rockford
Rockford, Illinois’ third-largest city, faces significant challenges. The city struggles with high crime rates, ranking among the most dangerous in the state.
Unemployment remains a persistent issue in Rockford. The job market has yet to fully recover from the loss of manufacturing positions in recent decades.
Education is another area of concern. Rockford’s public schools have faced budget cuts and underperformance, impacting the quality of education for local students.
The city grapples with aging infrastructure, including roads and buildings in need of repair. This contributes to a less appealing urban environment for residents and visitors.
Rockford’s economy has been slow to diversify, leaving it vulnerable to economic downturns. The lack of robust job opportunities has led to population decline in recent years.
5. Kankakee
Kankakee, located about 60 miles south of Chicago, faces several challenges that impact residents’ quality of life. The city has struggled with high crime rates, particularly property crimes and violent offenses.
Unemployment remains a persistent issue in Kankakee. The job market offers limited opportunities, leading many residents to seek work elsewhere or face financial hardship.
Education is another area of concern. Some local schools have underperformed on standardized tests, potentially affecting students’ future prospects.
The city’s infrastructure has deteriorated in certain areas. Aging roads, bridges, and public facilities require attention and investment.
Kankakee’s downtown area has experienced economic difficulties. Several businesses have closed, leaving vacant storefronts and reducing commercial activity in the city center.
6. Galesburg
Galesburg, located in western Illinois, faces significant challenges that impact residents’ quality of life. The city has experienced a steady population decline over the past few decades, reflecting economic difficulties and limited opportunities.
Unemployment rates in Galesburg remain higher than the state average. The closure of major employers, including a Maytag factory, has left a lasting impact on the local job market.
Crime rates in Galesburg are concerning, with property crimes being particularly prevalent. This has led to safety concerns among residents and potential newcomers.
The city’s infrastructure shows signs of aging, with some areas requiring renovation and modernization. This includes roads, public buildings, and certain residential neighborhoods.
Educational outcomes in Galesburg’s public schools lag behind state averages. This has raised concerns about the future prospects of the city’s youth and the overall workforce quality.
7. Peoria
Peoria, once a thriving industrial hub, has faced significant economic challenges in recent years. The city has experienced a decline in manufacturing jobs, leading to high unemployment rates and financial instability for many residents.
Crime rates in Peoria are a concern, with violent crime levels above the national average. This has impacted the quality of life for residents and deterred potential newcomers from settling in the area.
The city’s aging infrastructure poses problems for inhabitants. Many roads and buildings require repairs or updates, straining local resources and potentially affecting property values.
Peoria’s public education system faces difficulties, with some schools underperforming compared to state averages. This can limit opportunities for students and impact the city’s future workforce.
The area’s harsh winters and hot summers can be challenging for residents, particularly those sensitive to extreme weather conditions.
8. Decatur
Decatur, Illinois faces significant economic challenges. The city has experienced a steady decline in population over recent decades, dropping from around 94,000 in 1980 to approximately 70,000 today.
Unemployment rates in Decatur remain higher than the state average. The city’s economy, heavily reliant on manufacturing, has struggled to adapt to changing industrial landscapes.
Crime rates in Decatur exceed state and national averages. Property crime is particularly prevalent, with burglary and theft being common concerns for residents.
The city grapples with aging infrastructure. Many roads and public facilities require repairs or upgrades, straining local government resources.
Decatur’s public schools face difficulties, with test scores often falling below state averages. This educational challenge can impact future opportunities for young residents.
Air quality in Decatur has been a long-standing issue. The presence of heavy industry contributes to pollution levels that sometimes exceed EPA standards.
9. Danville
Danville, located in eastern Illinois, faces significant challenges that impact residents’ quality of life. The city struggles with a high crime rate, particularly property crimes, which exceed the national average.
Economic difficulties plague Danville, with a poverty rate higher than the state average. Limited job opportunities and a shrinking population contribute to the city’s economic woes.
The education system in Danville also faces hurdles. Test scores in local schools fall below state averages, potentially affecting students’ future prospects.
Danville’s infrastructure shows signs of aging, with some areas in need of repair and revitalization. This can impact daily life for residents and the overall appeal of the city.
The lack of diverse entertainment options and cultural amenities may leave some residents feeling limited in their leisure activities. This factor can contribute to a lower overall satisfaction with life in Danville.
10. Carbondale
Carbondale, located in southern Illinois, faces several challenges that impact its livability. The city struggles with a high crime rate, particularly property crimes, which raises safety concerns for residents.
Unemployment is another significant issue in Carbondale. The local economy has been slow to recover from past economic downturns, leading to limited job opportunities for many inhabitants.
Education quality in Carbondale’s public schools is a concern for families. Some schools in the area have underperformed on standardized tests and graduation rates.
The city’s infrastructure shows signs of aging and neglect in certain areas. Residents often complain about the condition of roads and the need for improved public services.
Carbondale’s cost of living, while lower than some larger cities, can still be a burden for many residents given the limited job prospects and wage levels in the area.
11. Bloomington
Bloomington, Illinois faces several challenges that impact residents’ quality of life. The city experiences higher crime rates compared to national averages, particularly in property crimes.
Economic concerns plague Bloomington, with a struggling job market and limited employment opportunities. Many residents find it difficult to secure well-paying positions, leading to financial strain.
The cost of living in Bloomington is relatively high for a mid-sized Illinois city. Housing prices and property taxes can be burdensome for many households, especially when coupled with the limited job prospects.
Bloomington’s public schools face ongoing budget issues, potentially affecting the quality of education. This has led some families to consider relocating to areas with stronger educational systems.
The city’s infrastructure requires significant improvements, with aging roads and utilities in need of updates. These issues can lead to inconveniences and safety concerns for residents.
12. Joliet
Joliet, Illinois faces significant challenges that impact residents’ quality of life. The city struggles with high crime rates, particularly property crimes and violent offenses.
Economic difficulties persist in Joliet, with unemployment rates above the state average. Job opportunities are limited, and many residents commute to Chicago for work.
The city’s infrastructure is aging and in need of repairs. Roads, bridges, and public buildings require substantial investment to meet modern standards.
Education is a concern in Joliet, with some schools underperforming compared to state averages. This impacts student achievement and future prospects.
Air and water quality issues affect Joliet due to industrial activities in the area. These environmental concerns can have long-term health implications for residents.
The cost of living in Joliet is relatively high compared to surrounding areas, putting financial strain on many households.
13. Champaign
Champaign, home to the University of Illinois, faces several challenges that impact residents’ quality of life. The city struggles with a high cost of living compared to surrounding areas in Illinois.
Housing prices in Champaign are relatively expensive, making it difficult for many to afford suitable accommodations. This issue is particularly pronounced for students and young professionals.
Crime rates in certain neighborhoods of Champaign are a concern for residents. Property crimes and thefts occur more frequently than in some other Illinois cities.
Traffic congestion during peak hours and university events can be frustrating for commuters. The influx of students each year also contributes to crowded conditions in many parts of the city.
Champaign experiences harsh winters with heavy snowfall and icy conditions. These weather patterns can make daily life challenging for several months of the year.
14. Springfield
Springfield, the capital city of Illinois, faces significant challenges that impact its livability. The city struggles with a high crime rate, particularly in certain neighborhoods, which raises safety concerns for residents.
Economic issues plague Springfield, with limited job opportunities and a stagnant job market. This contributes to a higher-than-average unemployment rate compared to other Illinois cities.
The city’s infrastructure is aging and in need of repairs. Roads, bridges, and public buildings require significant investment, which strains the city’s budget and affects residents’ quality of life.
Springfield’s public education system faces difficulties, with some schools underperforming and lacking necessary resources. This can impact students’ academic opportunities and future prospects.
The city experiences harsh winters, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. These conditions can make daily life challenging for residents and increase the cost of living due to higher heating bills.
15. Freeport
Freeport, located in northwestern Illinois, faces significant economic challenges. The city has experienced a decline in manufacturing jobs over the years, leading to high unemployment rates.
Crime rates in Freeport are a concern for residents. The city’s crime statistics exceed state averages, impacting the overall quality of life for its inhabitants.
Education in Freeport presents some difficulties. The local school district struggles with budget constraints and below-average test scores compared to other Illinois schools.
Freeport’s infrastructure shows signs of aging. Many roads and public buildings require repairs or updates, straining the city’s limited resources.
The city’s population has been steadily decreasing. This trend affects local businesses and property values, creating additional economic pressures for remaining residents.
16. Quincy
Quincy, situated along the Mississippi River in western Illinois, faces several challenges that impact its livability. The city’s economy has struggled in recent years, with limited job opportunities and slow economic growth.
Crime rates in Quincy are higher than the national average, particularly for property crimes. This has raised concerns among residents about safety and security in certain neighborhoods.
The city’s infrastructure is aging, with some roads and public facilities in need of repair or renovation. This can affect the quality of life for residents and potentially deter new businesses from setting up shop.
Quincy’s educational system has shown mixed results, with some schools performing below state averages. This may be a concern for families considering relocating to the area.
The city’s population has been slowly declining, which can lead to reduced tax revenue and potentially impact public services. This trend may also affect the vibrancy of local businesses and community activities.
17. Waukegan
Waukegan, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, faces several challenges that impact the quality of life for its residents. The city struggles with a high crime rate, particularly property crimes, which can create safety concerns for inhabitants.
Waukegan’s economy has been in decline for years, leading to limited job opportunities and economic stagnation. This has resulted in a higher unemployment rate compared to the state average.
The city’s public schools have underperformed, with test scores falling below state averages. This educational disparity can affect students’ future prospects and overall community development.
Environmental issues also plague Waukegan. The presence of industrial sites and a history of pollution have raised concerns about air and water quality, potentially impacting residents’ health.
Waukegan’s aging infrastructure, including roads and public facilities, requires significant updates. This can lead to inconveniences for residents and strain on local resources.
18. Berwyn
Berwyn, a suburban city located west of Chicago, faces several challenges that impact residents’ quality of life. The city’s high population density contributes to overcrowding issues and limited green spaces.
Crime rates in Berwyn are higher than the national average, raising safety concerns for inhabitants. Property crime, in particular, remains a persistent problem in certain neighborhoods.
The aging infrastructure in Berwyn requires significant upgrades, leading to frequent road maintenance and utility repairs. These ongoing projects often cause traffic congestion and inconvenience for residents.
Berwyn’s public schools struggle with overcrowding and limited resources, potentially affecting the quality of education for students. This situation may discourage families from settling in the area.
The city’s limited job opportunities force many residents to commute to Chicago or other nearby suburbs for work. This daily travel can be time-consuming and stressful, impacting work-life balance.
19. Moline
Moline, situated in Rock Island County, Illinois, faces several challenges that impact its livability. The city struggles with a higher crime rate compared to the national average, raising safety concerns for residents.
Economic issues plague Moline, with limited job opportunities and a stagnant job market. This situation contributes to a higher unemployment rate and lower median household income than many other Illinois cities.
The city’s aging infrastructure presents problems for residents. Deteriorating roads and outdated public facilities require significant investment and improvements.
Moline’s educational system faces difficulties, with some schools underperforming compared to state averages. This situation can affect the quality of education available to local students.
The city experiences harsh winters, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. These weather conditions can make daily life challenging for residents during the colder months.
20. Urbana
Urbana, located in east-central Illinois, faces several challenges that impact its livability. The city struggles with a higher crime rate compared to the national average, particularly in property crimes.
Urbana’s economy relies heavily on the University of Illinois, which can lead to instability during economic downturns. This dependence also contributes to a high cost of living relative to local income levels.
The city experiences harsh winters with heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures. Summers can be hot and humid, creating uncomfortable conditions for residents.
Urbana’s public transportation system is limited, making car ownership necessary for many. This can be a burden for lower-income residents and students.
The city’s infrastructure, including roads and public facilities, shows signs of aging and requires significant investment. This affects the overall quality of life for Urbana’s residents.
Factors Affecting Livability
Several key elements influence the quality of life in Illinois communities. These factors shape residents’ daily experiences and long-term prospects.
Economic Challenges
Unemployment rates vary significantly across Illinois cities. Some areas struggle with job scarcity, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. This leads to lower household incomes and reduced spending power.
Housing affordability is another crucial issue. In certain cities, high property taxes and rising home prices strain residents’ budgets. This can force families to allocate a larger portion of their income to housing costs.
Local business closures impact community vitality. When shops and services shut down, it creates a ripple effect on employment and convenience for residents.
Crime Rates
Public safety concerns directly affect livability. Cities with higher crime rates often experience decreased property values and reduced community engagement.
Violent crime statistics vary widely across Illinois. Some areas face challenges with gang activity and drug-related offenses. This can lead to increased policing costs and strained community-police relations.
Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, also impact residents’ sense of security. Areas with higher rates may see increased insurance premiums and decreased attractiveness to potential new residents.
Education Quality
School performance plays a significant role in community desirability. Districts with lower test scores and graduation rates may struggle to attract families.
Teacher retention and funding disparities affect educational outcomes. Some Illinois schools face challenges in maintaining experienced staff and providing adequate resources.
Availability of extracurricular activities and special programs varies. This impacts students’ opportunities for well-rounded development and future prospects.
Higher education access also influences livability. Proximity to colleges and universities can affect local job markets and cultural offerings.
Impact on Residents
Living in one of Illinois’ worst places can significantly affect residents’ quality of life. These areas often face challenges that touch multiple aspects of daily living and long-term prosperity.
Health and Well-Being
Residents in these areas may experience higher rates of chronic health issues. Poor air quality, often due to industrial pollution or proximity to major highways, can lead to respiratory problems. Limited access to quality healthcare facilities and providers exacerbates health concerns.
Stress levels tend to be elevated in these communities. Financial strain from lack of economic opportunities contributes to mental health challenges. Higher crime rates in some areas create a constant sense of unease for residents.
Nutritional deficits are common due to food deserts. Many neighborhoods lack grocery stores with fresh produce, forcing reliance on convenience stores and fast food.
Community and Social Environment
Social cohesion suffers in these challenging locations. High turnover rates as residents seek better opportunities elsewhere disrupt community bonds. This instability makes it difficult to establish lasting relationships or support networks.
Public spaces often fall into disrepair due to limited municipal funds. Parks, libraries, and community centers may be underfunded or closed, reducing opportunities for positive social interaction.
Educational systems in these areas frequently struggle. Underfunded schools with high student-to-teacher ratios can lead to lower academic achievement. This educational disadvantage can limit future prospects for young residents.
Crime and safety concerns impact daily life. Residents may feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods, limiting their willingness to engage in community activities or even simple tasks like evening walks.
Efforts to Improve Conditions
Various initiatives and programs aim to address challenges in Illinois’ struggling communities. Local governments and organizations have implemented strategies to enhance quality of life and economic opportunities.
Government Initiatives
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity launched targeted grant programs to stimulate job creation in distressed areas. These funds support infrastructure improvements, workforce training, and small business development.
Several cities have adopted comprehensive revitalization plans. East St. Louis implemented a 5-year strategy focusing on public safety, housing rehabilitation, and attracting new businesses. The plan has led to a 15% reduction in violent crime and the renovation of over 200 abandoned properties.
Rockford partnered with the federal government to secure a $10 million Choice Neighborhoods grant. This initiative is transforming the Fairgrounds Valley public housing complex and surrounding neighborhood through mixed-income housing and community services.
Community Programs
Grassroots organizations play a crucial role in improving conditions at the local level. In Cairo, the Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless operates a job training center that has helped over 500 residents gain employment skills since 2020.
The East Side Aligned initiative in East St. Louis brings together schools, nonprofits, and businesses to support youth development. Their after-school programs serve more than 2,000 students annually, improving academic performance and reducing juvenile crime rates.
Neighborhood associations in Decatur have organized community clean-up events and established urban gardens on vacant lots. These efforts have enhanced local food access and fostered a sense of pride among residents.
