Illinois Takes Top 10 For Safest Retirement States

As Americans grow older, safety and well-being take center stage when deciding where to spend retirement. For seniors, factors like crime rates, healthcare access, and public infrastructure can make all the difference in ensuring a peaceful and fulfilling life. According to a new analysis by Seniorly, Illinois has earned its spot among the top 10 safest states for retirement, ranking #8 overall.

This achievement is particularly impressive given the comprehensive approach used in the study, which analyzed crime rates, healthcare availability, public safety, and elder-specific risks like falls and scams. The data, sourced from federal agencies like the FBI, Department of Labor, and Department of Transportation, sheds light on what makes Illinois a standout choice.

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What Makes Illinois a Safe Bet for Seniors?

Illinois shines for its well-rounded safety profile. The state boasts lower-than-average violent and property crime rates targeting older adults. According to Seniorly, crime rates against seniors in Illinois are significantly below those seen in many western states, such as Colorado and Nevada, which ranked near the bottom of the list. That being said they were below middle of the road coming in at #28, their lowest category ranking in the data.

Public safety infrastructure also bolsters Illinois’ ranking. The state has a healthy presence of law enforcement officers, ensuring seniors have access to quick responses in emergencies. On the healthcare front, Illinois provides ample hospital beds for Medicare patients—an essential consideration for older adults managing chronic conditions or requiring specialized care.

Additionally, Illinois’ road safety metrics are noteworthy. With relatively fewer senior drivers involved in fatal car crashes, the state shows a commitment to safer roads through better infrastructure and enforcement.

Illinois rankings in each category: No. 1 is the best, No. 51 the worst.

• Violent Crime: No. 28 (94.5 per 100,000 residents)
• Property Crime: No. 22 (826.5 per 100,000 residents)
• Fall Deaths: No. 11 (tie) (57.9 per 100,000 residents)
• Police Officers: No. 4 (1,385 per 100,000 residents)
• Hospital Beds per Medicare Enrollee: No. 15 (tie) (17.1 per 1,000 residents)
• Scam victims: No. 25 (95.2 per 100,000 residents)
• Fatal Car Crashes: No. 23 (tie) (16.5 per 100,000 residents)

A Look at the Tri-States: How Iowa and Wisconsin Compare

While Illinois sits comfortably in the top 10, its neighbors in the Tri-State area—Iowa and Wisconsin—ranked lower on the list. Iowa came in at #24, falling into the middle range, with room to improve in categories like public safety and access to healthcare. Wisconsin, ranking #30, trailed further behind due to higher rates of elder-targeted crimes and fewer public safety resources. Though the Tri-States share cultural similarities and geographical proximity, Illinois’ strong safety infrastructure and commitment to protecting seniors set it apart.

Why Safety Matters More Than Ever

With violent crime against seniors rising by an alarming 331% over the past decade, according to the FBI, retirement safety has never been more critical. The financial and emotional toll of elder-targeted crimes, including property theft and scams, can upend lives. In 2023 alone, seniors nationwide lost a staggering $3.4 billion to scams, forcing many to sell their homes and reevaluate their financial security.

Illinois’ robust safety measures provide peace of mind to seniors and their families. With fewer instances of elder fraud and strong healthcare access, the state demonstrates a commitment to ensuring seniors can enjoy their golden years with dignity and security.

While Illinois has much to celebrate, no state is perfect. Like all places, ongoing attention to senior safety and well-being is essential. From improving accessibility to healthcare to fostering community support for older adults, there’s always room for growth. But, as families across the Tri-States consider where their loved ones might thrive in retirement, Illinois currently stands out as a reliable choice that delivers on safety, healthcare, and quality of life.