What to know when moving to Peoria, IL
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the property crime rate is 1,549 per 100,000 people, which is slightly higher than the national average of 1,547. Fortunately, property crime has decreased by 16.1% from 2022 to 2025.
- Violent crime: 246 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325, with a significant drop of 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100,000, with a 16.1% reduction since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 52.6% since 2022, now at 4.5 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Peoria has access to six postsecondary institutions, with four located in Peoria County. This provides nearby options for higher education.
- Bradley University
- Methodist College
- Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
- Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Peoria
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
For outdoor activities, Peoria offers several parks and recreational spaces that are well-rated by visitors.
- Peoria Riverfront Museum - 4.5 stars (1,983 reviews)
- Wildlife Prairie Park - 4.5 stars (1,903 reviews)
- Glen Oak Park - 4.5 stars (1,702 reviews)
- Forest Park Nature Center - 4.8 stars (1,128 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Peoria County shows a labor force of 81,951 with an unemployment rate of 6.1% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 6.1% (December 2025)
- Employed: 76,986
- Labor force: 81,951
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS).