10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Chicago

By: ROS Team

Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States, boasts a population of around 2.7 million residents. Renowned for its captivating cultural heritage, iconic architecture, and thriving communities, the Windy City leaves a lasting impression.

However, like any major city, it also faces challenges with crime.

This blog post delves into the most dangerous neighborhoods of Chicago, providing insights into their crime rates, population statistics, and ongoing initiatives to address these pressing concerns. It’s often is difficult to sell a home in these neighborhoods but we buy houses fast Chicago will make a quick cash offer for your house, no matter the condition.

Most Dangerous Part Of Chicago

1. West Garfield Park:

Population: 17,0000 (Approx)
Violent Crime: 3,371 per /100k People (Chicago Avg. 943)
Property Crime: 8,974 per/100K People (Chicago Avg. 2,983)

With a population of around 17,000, West Garfield Park has unfortunately experienced high crime rates. It has been identified as one of the most dangerous areas in Chicago.

Chicago witnesses a concerning number of 2,000 shootings annually. However, among its various neighborhoods, West Garfield Park stands out with an alarmingly high rate of 411 shootings per 100,000 residents.

This neighborhood faced an unfortunate escalation of violence in 2016, recording a total of 31 murders, which translates to a staggering murder rate of 172 per 100,000 residents.

These statistics reveal the seriousness of the crime situation in West Garfield Park, emphasizing the urgent necessity for effective measures to combat the violence afflicting the community.

2. East Garfield Park:

Population: 19,000 (Approx)
Violent Crime: 2,886 per /100k People (Chicago Avg. 943)
Property Crime: 6,696 per/100K People (Chicago Avg. 2,983)

Adjacent to West Garfield Park, East Garfield Park faces similar challenges when it comes to crime. This neighborhood, home to approximately 19,000 people, has faced significant challenges with both violent crimes and property crimes.

Efforts are currently being made to address the existing issues in this one of the most dangerous areas in Chicago. However, it is important for both residents and visitors to exercise caution while present here.

most dangerous part of chicago

3. Grand Crossing:

Population: 32,000 (Approx)
Violent Crime: 2,679 per /100k People (Chicago Avg. 943)
Property Crime: 5,519 per/100K People (Chicago Avg. 2,983)

Located on the city’s South Side, Grand Crossing has a population of around 32,000. While the community is actively working towards revitalization, it still faces significant crime challenges.

The level of police response in Grand Crossing is relatively low, highlighting the need for residents and individuals walking at night to exercise caution and remain vigilant for their safety.

4. Chatham:

Population: 32,000 (Approx)
Violent Crime: 1,965 per /100k People (Chicago Avg. 943)
Property Crime: 5,218 per/100K People (Chicago Avg. 2,983)

Chatham, unfortunately, experiences a significant level of crime, with a total crime rate of 7,642 crimes per 100,000 residents. This means that residents of Chatham face a 1 in 13 chance of becoming a victim of crime.

The neighborhood also grapples with a high rate of violent crimes, reaching 2,096 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Shockingly, this figure is 548 percent higher than the national average, highlighting the severity of the issue.

Caution and awareness are crucial for individuals residing in or visiting Chatham to navigate the challenges and prioritize personal safety.

5. Englewood:

Population: 26,000 (Approx)
Violent Crime: 2,837 per /100k People (Chicago Avg. 943)
Property Crime: 5,984 per /100K People (Chicago Avg. 2,983)

Englewood, home to a population of 26,000, unfortunately, bears the burden of a high crime rate. With a staggering 9,386 crimes per 100,000 people, living in this area entails a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of crime, be it property or violent crime.

Regrettably, the neighborhood’s violent crime rate does little to redeem its reputation, emphasizing the pressing need for measures to address safety concerns and promote a secure environment for residents.

6. Austin:

Population: 97,643 (Approx)
Violent Crime: 1,761 per /100k People (Chicago Avg. 943)
Property Crime: 4,375 per /100K People (Chicago Avg. 2,983)

Austin, located on the West side of the city, is unfortunately known for being one of Chicago’s most crime-infested neighborhoods. In 2022, Austin ranked 11th in terms of violent crime and 25th in property crime within the city.

Additionally, it held the 5th position for quality-of-life crimes, including offenses like loitering, unruly conduct, and vagrancy. These rankings reflect the ongoing challenges that Austin faces and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address crime and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

7. Riverdale:

Population: 7,600 (Approx)
Violent Crime: 866 per /100k People (Illinois Avg. 426)
Property Crime: 2,690 per /100K People (Illinois Avg. 1,559)

Riverdale experiences a crime rate that is significantly higher than the national average, surpassing communities of various sizes across America. However, with 29 crimes per one thousand residents, it does not fall into the category of communities with the highest crime rates.

Nonetheless, the elevated crime levels in Riverdale underscore the need for continued efforts to address safety concerns and work towards creating a secure environment for its residents.

8. South Shore:

Population: 47,000 (Approx)
Violent Crime: 2,301 per /100k People (Chicago Avg. 943)
Property Crime: 4,816 per /100K People (Chicago Avg. 2,983)

With a population of 47,000 people, South Shore is a neighborhood that grapples with crime-related challenges. The crime rate in this area stands at 7,573 crimes per 100,000 people, highlighting the significant presence of criminal activities.

Disturbingly, residents in South Shore face a 1 in 13 chance of becoming victims of either property crime or violent crime, underscoring the importance of personal safety awareness.

Daily, approximately 30 crimes are committed for every 100,000 residents, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address the prevalent crime issues and foster a safer environment for the community.

9. North Lawndale:

Population: 36,000 (Approx)
Violent Crime: 2,816 per /100k People (Chicago Avg. 943)
Property Crime: 7,153 per /100K People (Chicago Avg. 2,983)

North Lawndale, unfortunately, faces a significant crime rate, with 10,606 crimes per 100,000 people. This high rate of criminal activity means that residents in this neighborhood have a 1 in 9 chance of becoming victims of either property crime or violent crime.

Moreover, the violent crime rate in North Lawndale reaches a concerning level of 3,003 violent crimes per 100,000 people. These statistics emphasize the pressing need for comprehensive efforts to address safety concerns and work towards creating a safer environment for the residents of North Lawndale.

10. Washington Park:

Population: 11,000 (Approx)
Violent Crime: 3,084 per /100k People (Chicago Avg. 943)
Property Crime: 6,222 per /100K People (Chicago Avg. 2,983)

Washington Park, situated on the city’s South Side, has a population of around 11,000. The neighborhood exhibits a significantly higher rate of violent crime compared to the national average, with a rate of 90.8 incidents per capita, while the national average stands at 22.7 incidents.

Similarly, property crime in Washington Park surpasses the US average, with a rate of 43.4 incidents compared to the national average of 35.4 incidents.

These figures serve as a clear indication that Washington Park is an area where citizens should exercise extra caution when it comes to personal safety and prioritize the implementation of robust security measures.

FAQs

Which Is The Most Dangerous Street In Chicago?

One street that has been associated with higher crime rates in Chicago is 79th Street. It has experienced its share of safety concerns and has been identified as a location where citizens should exercise caution.

How To Stay Safe In Chicago?

To stay safe in Chicago, consider the following tips:

Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Avoid walking alone at night, if possible, and stick to well-lit and populated areas.
Use reliable transportation options or travel in groups when moving around the city.
Keep valuable belongings out of sight and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Stay informed about the neighborhoods you visit and their safety reputation.
Follow local news and official announcements for any security alerts or updates.
Establish a reliable network of contacts and emergency numbers.
Avoid confrontations and refrain from displaying excessive wealth or expensive items.
Lock your home and vehicle securely, and consider security measures such as alarms or surveillance systems.
If you feel unsafe or witness suspicious activity, report it to the local authorities.

Most Dangerous Part Of Chicago: Final Thoughts

Crime rates in certain neighborhoods in Chicago remain a concern. While the city as a whole continues to make efforts to combat crime and improve safety, residents and visitors must be aware of the areas with higher crime rates.

By staying informed, working together, and supporting community-driven initiatives, Chicago can strive towards creating safer neighborhoods for everyone.

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