Silver Lining? Charming Illinois Town Dubbed State’s Least Safe Small Town

MoneyGeek just dropped its list of America's safest cities and towns, and one Illinois town found itself in a no-so-great position.

Decatur, Illinois, was ranked 1024 out of 1061, topping the state's list and ranking among America's least safe small towns.

Decatur's placement raised some eyebrows and probably a few home insurance premiums.

Illinois towns don't always crush the national lists, so I'll make this another entry to the state's "infamous fame" file.

So, while safety isn't Decatur's strongest suit, the town has its unique and distinct charm.

Keep Reading: Safest Town in Illinois for 2025: A Hidden Gem with European Charm

Called the "Soybean Capital of the World," Decatur has a rich history, hardworking residents, and beautiful views that can distract you from double-checking your car locks.

MoneyGeek examined criteria for this ranking, which included crime cost per capita, both violent and property-related, and the cost of those crimes.

It's no surprise that Decatur didn't crush those metrics, but stats don't always tell the whole story. Let's not grab our pitchforks (or pepper spray) just yet and breathe for a second.

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Decatur has its quirks and safety challenges, but what town doesn't?

Those of us in Rockford have become accustomed to seeing our city's name pop up in dubious rankings, but Decatur took this one fair and square. Also, the criteria is looking for cities with less than 100,000 people.

So here's to Decatur. You might be on MoneyGeek's list today, but rankings, reputations, and perceptions can change.