Illinois Home Security Guide

Illinois has an overall crime rate of 20.04 per 1,000 residents based on 2024 FBI data. The violent crime rate is 2.89 per 1,000, actually about 20% below the national average. Property crime is 17.15 per 1,000. The robbery rate of 0.90 per 1,000 is notably higher than the national average of 0.61, driven heavily by Chicago.

Illinois is really two different states when it comes to safety. Chicago drives most of the crime numbers, along with cities like Rockford, Springfield, and Peoria. But suburbs like Naperville consistently rank among the safest cities in America. The collar counties around Chicago - DuPage, Lake, Will - are generally very safe. Pick your location carefully.

ADT has deep roots in Illinois with multiple offices across Chicagoland. SimpliSafe is popular with Chicago renters since there's no drilling or long-term contracts. Ring works well as a starter system. Alarm Detection Systems out of Aurora is a strong local option with over 50 years in the business.

Monthly monitoring costs $15 to $50 per month. DIY equipment from SimpliSafe or Ring runs $200 to $600. Professional installation ranges from $500 to $2,000. Chicago-area installations tend to run higher than downstate due to higher labor costs and stricter permitting requirements.

Chicago requires alarm system registration and charges false alarm fees starting at $200 for the third false alarm. Many Illinois municipalities have their own alarm ordinances. Check with your local village or city hall before installation. Some suburbs require annual renewal of alarm permits.