As the sun goes down, crime tends to rise, and in these Illinois towns, you'll want to be especially cautious. These most dangerous cities in Illinois are places you should watch your step once the sun goes down. Consider walking with a partner if you have to be outside at night. In no particular order, here are 13 places in The Prairie State that are quite dangerous after dark:

1. East St. Louis

Widely regarded as America's most dangerous city, East St. Louis is easily the scariest place to be in Illinois after dark. Wikitravel has even flagged this city as a dangerous destination, and one of the FBI’s 100 most dangerous cities in America.

2. Bloomington

There were 490 violent crimes recorded by the FBI in Bloomington , so be sure to use the buddy system if you're out at night. Neighborhood Scout has more statistics about this town for you to read further.

3. Chicago

Chicago crime news is reported around the world, giving it the reputation as a city with horrible gun violence. The numbers are there to back it up, too: over 2,900 shootings were reported in 2015. This one feels like a no brainer, as Chicago is constantly in the news for its shootings and violence. If you’re living in Illinois and looking to move to Chicago, make sure you read up on the most dangerous neighborhoods in town.

4. Quincy

A crime happens in Quincy every 5 hours, six minutes on average. This is an area you’ll want to lock your bike, and make sure you travel together in the buddy system.

5. Alton

Beware to night owls in Alton! There is a 1 in 19 chance you'll become a victim of a property crime, so stay vigilant! Rating a 4 out of 100 for safety on Neighborhood Scout, you’re going to want to stay alert.

6. Carbondale

Be on the lookout for thieves in Carbondale. In 2011, the city saw over 1,000 thefts. Home to Southern Illinois University, much of the crime in this town is property theft, so while you want to still be aware of your surroundings, this is most likely petty theft and burglary, so lock up!

7. Champaign

Pay attention to your surroundings when enjoying dinner, having drinks, or shopping in Champaign at night. In December 2016 alone, there were two armed robberies reported in the city. In fact, based on recent FBI data, Champaign is one of the 100 most dangerous communities in all of America!

8. Kankakee

The city is fighting to bring its crime rate down - and keep it there. Over the last 10 years, the town has experienced many ups and downs when it comes to violent crime. But you still have a 1 in 23 chance of booming a victim to violent or property crime.

9. Peoria

Be cautious when spending time in Peoria; there's a 1 in 149 chance you'll become a victim of violent crime. In fact, Peoria is beginning to become more dangerous each and every year, so watch out if you’re visiting or living there.

10. Springfield

Even in Illinois's state capital, you'll want to grab a friend when walking home late at night. Experts point to Springfield's large population of young people as an explanation for the elevated levels of crime the city sees. It’s primarily property crime, and residents say that the crime levels are overblown and that Springfield’s crime rate is actually going down.

11. Rockford

In 2019, Rockford was ranked the 11th most dangerous city in the United States of America from a report from 247wallst.com. Use the buddy system and keep alert when traveling after dark.

12. DeKalb

Crimes committed by college students are unfortunately not uncommon. AmericanSchoolSearch.com ranked Northern Illinois University in Dekalb 10th in the nation for violent crime. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 167.

13. Harvey

For such a small town, Harvey sees quite a bit of criminal activity. In 2014, 10 murders were reported. With one of the highest rates of violent crime on the list, your chances of being assaulted, murdered, raped, or attacked are 1 in 84. Stay sharp, and stay home after dark.

These are our round-up of the most dangerous cities in Illinois. Have you visited any of these cities? Are any of them in your hometown? Let us know in the comments below!

All of these cities are perfectly great places to live in Illinois, they just require a bit more caution at night. If you prefer frolicking down dark streets, try visiting one of the safest towns in Illinois.