Looking for an affordable and safe place to live in Illinois? Look no further, these nine cities in the state could be the next place you call home.

I've lived in Rockford, Illinois my entire life and even though everything has gotten ridiculously expensive over the past few years, I'm still here.  It might not be the safest or most affordable city, but it's all I know and it'll always be home.

Read More: Illinois Town Named #1 Best To 'Live The American Dream' 

Maybe you're looking for a fresh, new place to call home in Illinois.  Well, there are 9 cities in the state you might want to check out.  They just got named the cheapest and safest places to live in Illinois.

Canva
Canva
loading...

9 Illinois Cities Among Most Affordable & Safest Places to Live

#9: Mount Zion, Illinois

It's a great place if you want access to shopping and entertainment, but like to stay as far away as you can from crime.  Cost of living is 12% below Illinois' average, too!

Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
loading...

#8: Bethalto, Illinois

This is actually a village of less than 10,000 people.  It's a great village to experience amenities that big cities offer, but also want a small town feel.  It's also safer than 75% of cities in America.

Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
loading...

#7: Mendota, Illinois

With less than 7,000 population, this town has an extremely low crime - 57% lower than the national average!  It's also a fairly affordable place to live with 6-bedroom homes at $160,000.

Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
loading...

#6: Spring Valley, Illinois

Overall cost of living is 17% below the national average and 14% below the Illinois average.  There's barely any crime here, so if you're weighing your options based on crime then consider moving here!

Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
loading...
Get our free mobile app

#5: Greenville, Illinois

Holy crap, majority of homes are less than $75,000.  Now that's what I call affordability!!! Cost of living is also 15% lower than the Illinois average.

Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
loading...

#4: Charleston, Illinois

Warning: this is a college town.  If you can't stand parties, keep on movin'!  Renting and owning a home in Charleston is actually crazy.  Average rent is $652/month! Wow.  Crime is also 79% below the national average, which is amazing.

Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
loading...

#3: Canton, Illinois

Housing cost is 48% below the national average and rent on average is $625.  Even better than Charleston, lol.  Crime hasn't gone up in this town for a long time.

Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
loading...

#2: Rock Falls

There's quite a bit of scenery out here, if that's your scene!  $75,000 for a home?  Yeah, sounds like you'll have extra spending money living here.

Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
loading...

#1: Chester, Illinois

In Southwestern Illinois, Chester is actually known for being the home of the Popeye creator.  So many statues of him around town!  Plus, low crime rate and safer than 81% of cities in America.

Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
Youtube - Stuck in the Kernfield
loading...

Read More: Illinois City Ranked Top 15 Places to Avoid in America 

Well, there you have it.  If you want to add to this list, hit me up.  I need to know where even more safe and affordable cities are because crime seems to never end in Rockford.

The Safest Cities in Illinois & Wisconsin

Safewise did a study on the 100 safest cities in America. Eight of them are in Wisconsin and Illinois.

38 Illinois Cities' Lowest Average Credit Scores (Ranked)

WalletHub ranked 2,568 cities' average credit scores and Illinois had some of the lowest.

More From 97 ZOK