Peoria, Illinois, often comes up in discussions about city safety, having been listed among the deadliest U.S. cities by CBS News. While this ranking might raise concerns, it’s essential to understand that crime in Peoria tends to be concentrated in specific areas. 

This means that safety can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another.

Residents and those considering a move to Peoria often wonder why Peoria, IL, is so dangerous. 

Much of the crime is localized, with the northwest section of the city generally considered the safest, contrasting with the southeast, which tends to be more troubled. This distinction highlights how neighborhood choice plays a key role in personal safety within the city.

What are Troubled Zones?

Areas like Peoria South, particularly around Harrison Homes, have faced public safety challenges. These challenges include high juvenile crime rates and a perception of unsafe conditions, even if crime has decreased in some specific spots. 

Issues such as inadequate street lighting, lack of walkability, and unmaintained properties by absent landlords contribute to the difficulties in these neighborhoods. A shortage of activities, especially for young people after 5 PM, and dated infrastructure further compound the problems. 

Peoria’s Safest Neighborhoods

In contrast, several neighborhoods in and around Peoria stand out for their safety and quality of life. These tend to be close-knit suburban communities with smaller populations, offering various amenities.

• Dunlap: This area is frequently cited among the safest.
• Morton: Known as a safe, flourishing, and family-friendly suburb, Morton has a strong school district and an A grade from Niche for overall safety. Its population is around 16,503.
• Germantown Hills: Another community recognized for its safety.
• Washington: Rated highly for safety, Washington is a small town with good opportunities for families and a supportive community, holding an A grade from Niche. It has a population of approximately 15,946.
• Metamora: This area is consistently mentioned as a safe option.
• Elmwood: A tight-knit community with a strong sense of togetherness and an A-grade from Niche. Its population is around 2,254.
• Peoria Heights: Known for its historic homes, restaurants, and shopping, Peoria Heights also earns an A-grade for safety. It has a population of about 5,834.
• Chillicothe: This friendly and safe small town boasts a sound school system and affordable housing, with a population of 6,130.
• East Peoria: With a population of 22,552, East Peoria offers numerous parks and a library, and residents generally feel safe walking around.
• Eureka: Listed among the safest places to live in the Peoria area.
• Northwest Peoria: This part of the city is considered one of the safest due to its lower crime rate and is characterized by green spaces, making it a quiet area popular with retirees.

Factors Contributing to Safety

The distinction between Peoria’s safer and more troubled areas often comes down to several factors. Safer neighborhoods typically benefit from smaller populations, strong community ties, and better infrastructure, including well-lit streets.

They may also have more engaged residents and responsive property owners. In contrast, areas with higher crime rates often struggle with issues like neglected properties, insufficient public lighting, and a lack of community engagement and youth programs. 

Initiatives aimed at improving public safety in these areas focus on reducing juvenile crime, fostering better relationships between law enforcement and residents, enhancing lighting, beautifying neighborhoods, and providing after-school activities and mentorship for young people.

Culmination

While Peoria has faced challenges regarding its safety record, the city is not uniformly dangerous. Understanding the geographical distribution of crime and identifying the neighborhoods with established safety records can guide individuals in making informed decisions about where to live or visit within the Peoria area. 

The ongoing efforts to revitalize troubled zones and enhance public safety aim to create a more desirable and vibrant community for all its residents.

Photo by David JE Sinn at iStock by Getty Images

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