2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Illinois — 2026

Last updated: July 19, 2026

1,583 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 61104 (Rockford, IL) - 76/100
Lead Violations Lowest Score Safest Flood Risk Energy Cost Radon PFAS Reliability EJ Index Homebuyer Risk CO & Gas Safest Gas Remediation Burden Unresolved Violations (by Utility) Water Equity (by Utility)

Out of 1,583 ZIP codes with data in Illinois, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All Illinois Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 1,583
Highest value 76/100
Median value 40/100
State Illinois

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 61104 Rockford IL 76/100 28/100
2 61089 Winslow IL 75/100 41/100
3 61602 Peoria IL 75/100 32/100
4 60970 Watseka IL 70/100 53/100
5 60974 Woodland IL 70/100 56/100
6 62013 Brussels IL 68/100 54/100
7 61062 Pearl City IL 67/100 51/100
8 61439 Henderson IL 67/100 66/100
9 60954 Momence IL 66/100 58/100
10 61103 Rockford IL 66/100 33/100
11 61230 Albany IL 66/100 56/100
12 60433 Joliet IL 65/100 44/100
13 60104 Bellwood IL 64/100 59/100
14 60911 Ashkum IL 64/100 64/100
15 61350 Ottawa IL 64/100 66/100
16 61484 Vermont IL 64/100 13/100
17 62050 Hillview IL 64/100 54/100
18 60432 Joliet IL 63/100 44/100
19 60512 Bristol IL 62/100 61/100
20 60553 Steward IL 62/100 66/100
21 60901 Kankakee IL 62/100 67/100
22 61101 Rockford IL 62/100 38/100
23 61108 Rockford IL 62/100 33/100
24 61354 Peru IL 62/100 57/100
25 61604 Peoria IL 62/100 22/100
26 62624 Browning IL 62/100 59/100
27 60120 Elgin IL 61/100 31/100
28 60131 Franklin Park IL 61/100 60/100
29 60436 Joliet IL 61/100 49/100
30 61061 Oregon IL 61/100 56/100
31 61102 Rockford IL 61/100 33/100
32 61244 East Moline IL 61/100 26/100
33 61344 Mineral IL 61/100 66/100
34 61611 East Peoria IL 61/100 52/100
35 62361 Pearl IL 61/100 65/100
36 60164 Melrose Park IL 60/100 59/100
37 60931 Donovan IL 60/100 61/100
38 62031 Fieldon IL 60/100 48/100
39 62053 Kampsville IL 60/100 52/100
40 62277 Prairie Du Rocher IL 60/100 69/100
41 62651 Jacksonville IL 60/100 47/100
42 60101 Addison IL 59/100 64/100
43 60409 Calumet City IL 59/100 39/100
44 60474 South Wilmington IL 59/100 64/100
45 60557 Wedron IL 59/100 60/100
46 60621 Chicago IL 59/100 71/100
47 60637 Chicago IL 59/100 61/100
48 61523 Chillicothe IL 59/100 42/100
49 61534 Green Valley IL 59/100 61/100
50 61726 Chenoa IL 59/100 41/100
51 62330 Dallas City IL 59/100 57/100
52 62379 Warsaw IL 59/100 48/100
53 60160 Melrose Park IL 58/100 59/100
54 60636 Chicago IL 58/100 66/100
55 61032 Freeport IL 58/100 56/100
56 61042 Harmon IL 58/100 69/100
57 61301 La Salle IL 58/100 65/100
58 61441 Ipava IL 58/100 59/100
59 61603 Peoria IL 58/100 32/100
60 62019 Donnellson IL 58/100 61/100
61 62032 Fillmore IL 58/100 71/100
62 60041 Ingleside IL 57/100 66/100
63 60165 Stone Park IL 57/100 66/100
64 60434 Joliet IL 57/100 59/100
65 60450 Morris IL 57/100 45/100
66 60505 Aurora IL 57/100 25/100
67 60624 Chicago IL 57/100 66/100
68 60644 Chicago IL 57/100 66/100
69 60649 Chicago IL 57/100 71/100
70 61259 Illinois City IL 57/100 60/100
71 61345 Neponset IL 57/100 61/100
72 61373 Utica IL 57/100 51/100
73 61437 Gladstone IL 57/100 55/100
74 61543 Liverpool IL 57/100 35/100
75 61605 Peoria IL 57/100 37/100
76 61955 Vermilion IL 57/100 60/100
77 62027 Eldred IL 57/100 64/100
78 62627 Chandlerville IL 57/100 53/100
79 62650 Jacksonville IL 57/100 45/100
80 60121 Elgin IL 56/100 28/100
81 60416 Coal City IL 56/100 47/100
82 60420 Dwight IL 56/100 41/100
83 60473 South Holland IL 56/100 66/100
84 60481 Wilmington IL 56/100 54/100
85 60523 Oak Brook IL 56/100 60/100
86 60623 Chicago IL 56/100 71/100
87 60934 Emington IL 56/100 24/100
88 60953 Milford IL 56/100 62/100
89 61105 Rockford IL 56/100 43/100
90 61106 Rockford IL 56/100 31/100
91 61110 Rockford IL 56/100 43/100
92 61125 Rockford IL 56/100 31/100
93 61126 Rockford IL 56/100 31/100
94 61241 Colona IL 56/100 56/100
95 61374 Van Orin IL 56/100 61/100
96 61469 Oquawka IL 56/100 57/100
97 61562 Rome IL 56/100 40/100
98 61606 Peoria IL 56/100 37/100
99 61775 Strawn IL 56/100 59/100
100 62006 Batchtown IL 56/100 74/100

Methodology

The Home Purchase Risk Score combines environmental hazards that create unexpected costs for homebuyers: water system violations requiring filtration, lead service lines requiring replacement, radon requiring mitigation systems, flood zones requiring insurance, and aging infrastructure requiring upgrades. These are factors that standard home inspections may not fully capture.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-07-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Home Purchase Risk Score?

This score (0-100) estimates the hidden environmental costs a homebuyer may face: water filtration needs, lead pipe replacement, radon mitigation, flood insurance, and infrastructure upgrades. Higher scores mean more potential unexpected expenses after purchase.

What should homebuyers do in high-risk ZIP codes?

Request a water quality test, check for lead service lines with the utility, test for radon before closing, verify FEMA flood zone designation, and factor in potential remediation costs ($5,000-$30,000+) to your budget.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →

Related Rankings

Water Safety 2026 EPA violations and water quality scores Lead Risk 2026 Lead pipe infrastructure and EPA exceedances Infrastructure 2026 Aging pipes, system age and remediation costs
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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