4 Illinois cities crack US News & World Report’s ‘safest places to live’ in America
Four Illinois cities were recently named among the “25 Safest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025-2026” by U.S. News & World Report.
The ranking evaluated 859 American cities on murder and property crime rates per 100,000 people, with data from FBI crime reports.
The report named Johns Creek, Ga., Centerville, Va., Newton, Mass., Rochester Hills, Mich., and Homosassa Springs, Fla., the top five safest places to live in the U.S.
Crime can potentially be one of the main considerations for people choosing where to live, along with cost of living, job availability and recreational opportunities. The “overall scores” shown for each city refer to the general score for best places to live rankings by U.S. News & World Report and are on a 10-point scale; they are not specific to the safety category.
Here’s what to know about how the four Illinois cities performed in the safest cities ranking.
Arlington Heights
Overall score: 6.4
Population: 73,663
Median home value: $382,333
Median monthly rent: $1,392
Median household income: $114,653
Arlington Heights was named the 12th safest place to live in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The city was also ranked the 56th best place to live overall in the U.S. and the best place to live in Illinois.
While Arlington Heights scored well for safety and livability, the cost of living there is relatively high, with home values roughly $12,000 above the national average. However, the city does offer “a higher value of living” compared to other cities of a similar size, U.S. News & World Report says.
FBI data shows Arlington Heights reported more property crime in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available, than in 2017 to 2021. The Arlington Heights Police Department reported 710 property crimes in 2023, down from 815 in 2022.
The city’s police department reported 63 violent crimes in that year, compared to 55 in 2022, 30 in 2021 and 43 in 2020, according to the FBI website’s data.
Buffalo Grove
Overall score: 6.4
Population: 41,339
Median home value: $385,003
Median monthly rent: $1,611
Median household income: $133,839
Buffalo Grove landed in the 18th spot for the safest places to live in the nation. Like Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove’s average home value is higher than the national average.
The Buffalo Grove Police Department reported 1,011 property crimes and 79 violent crimes in 2023, according to the FBI website’s data.
“I’m beyond proud for Buffalo Grove to be recognized as one of the safest communities in the nation. This ranking reflects the dedication and professionalism of our first responders, as well as the Village’s ongoing commitment to public safety and quality of life,” Buffalo Grove village president Eric Smith said in a July 15 emailed statement to the Belleville News-Democrat. “Our neighborhoods are known for being quiet, safe, and family-friendly. We work every day to ensure that remains true for all who call BG home.”
Naperville
Overall score: 6.3
Population: 148,437
Median home value: $473,284
Median monthly rent: $1,452
Median household income: $147,382
Naperville tied with another Illinois locale for the 19th spot in the safest places to live ranking. The city’s average home value is more than $100,000 higher than the national average, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The city was also recognized in a 2025 report from online publication Livability as one of the top 100 best places to live in the U.S.
The Naperville Police Department reported 1,322 property crimes and 98 violent crimes in 2023, according to the FBI’s data.
Palatine
Overall score: 6.3
Population: 64,712
Median home value: $337,886
Median monthly rent: $1,226
Median household income: $96,227
Palatine tied with Naperville for 19th place in the ranking. Unlike the other three Illinois spots to make the cut, Palatine’s average home value is a bit lower than the national average, at $337,886 compared to $370,489.
The Palatine Police Department reported 1,931 property crimes and 176 violent crimes in 2023, according to the FBI.
The BND has contacted city officials with Arlington Heights, Naperville and Palatine for comment on the ranking.
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