According to Propertyclub, Chicago, known for its vibrant culture and economic significance, is also plagued by certain neighborhoods that have gained notoriety for their high crime rates and violence. In this article, we will explore the ten most dangerous areas in the city, shedding light on the challenges faced by these communities.
Chicago, with a population of 2,746,388, is a vibrant and diverse metropolis that has a lot to offer. However, it is unfortunate that the city is known for its high rates of violent crime. In fact, Chicago is, on average, about 67% more dangerous than the national average. The city faces challenges in both violent and property crimes, with a concerning prevalence of gun violence.
10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Chicago
This Article Includes
-
- Washington Park
- West Garfield Park
- Englewood
- North Lawndale
- East Garfield Park
- West Englewood
- Austin
- Grand Crossing
- Riverdale
- South Shore
1. Washington Park
Washington Park, located in Chicago, is notorious for being the most dangerous neighborhood in the city. With a population of 12,707, this area faces an alarming rate of violent crime that is 701% higher than the national average. The overall crime rate in Washington Park is also 297% higher than the national average, making it an area of significant concern. The prevalence of violent crimes such as murder, robbery, and assault further solidifies Washington Park’s reputation as the most perilous part of Chicago.
2. West Garfield Park
West Garfield Park, situated on Chicago’s South Side, stands out as one of the most perilous neighborhoods in the city. The area experiences a significantly higher rate of violent crime compared to the rest of Chicago, with an alarming 257% increase. This means that residents face a 1 in 20 chance of falling victim to a violent crime. The prevalence of gang activity in West Garfield Park plays a pivotal role in the high levels of violent crime observed in the neighborhood.
3. Englewood
Englewood, situated in Chicago’s South Side, is recognized as one of the worst areas in the city. With a population of 24,369, this neighborhood has a long-standing issue of poverty, leading to a high number of residents living below the poverty line. In 2022, Englewood’s crime rate exceeded the Chicago average by 125%. Incidents of violent crimes, including robbery, assault, and theft, are prevalent in this area. Moreover, Englewood has witnessed a disturbingly high number of murders and gun violence cases, further solidifying its reputation as one of the most unsafe areas in Chicago.
4. North Lawndale
North Lawndale, located on Chicago’s West Side, is widely recognized as one of the most perilous areas in the city. Once a thriving and evolving community, North Lawndale suffered a significant setback due to the impact of the 2008 recession. With a population of 34,794 residents, this neighborhood has been disproportionately affected, with an estimated 70% of men aged 17-45 having criminal records.
North Lawndale experiences a crime rate that surpasses the Chicago average by 198%, resulting in 10,606 crimes per 100,000 people. Ultimately, this implies that residents face a 1 in 9 likelihood of falling victim to some form of criminal activity. Moreover, the number of violent crime incidents in 2020 reached 3,003 per 100,000 people, indicating that residents have a 1 in 34 chance of becoming victims of violent crimes.
5. East Garfield Park
Garfield Park, situated in West Chicago, has a notorious reputation for its high levels of violent and property crimes. The year 2022 witnessed a staggering number of over 2,800 incidents of violent crime and more than 7,500 cases of property crime within the area. East Garfield, in particular, has been plagued by gun violence and gang activity, with over 77 reported shootings in 2021 alone. The community continues to grapple with these pressing issues.
The crime rate in East Garfield Park is alarming, with a staggering 10,195 crimes per 100,000 people. This means that there is approximately a 1 in 10 chance of residents falling victim to any type of crime. In terms of property crimes, there were 7,117 incidents per 100,000 people in 2020, resulting in a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim. Violent crimes, on the other hand, reached 3,078 incidents per 100,000 people in the same year, translating to a 1 in 33 chance of experiencing such crimes. These statistics highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures in East Garfield Park.
6. West Englewood
West Englewood, situated in Southwest Chicago, is home to a population of 32,317 individuals. With an overall crime rate of 9,551 crimes per 100,000 people, this neighborhood surpasses the Chicago average by double.
In West Englewood, the rate of violent crime is alarmingly high, with a staggering 2,773 violent crimes occurring per 100,000 people. This means that the chances of falling victim to such crimes are as high as 1 in 37. Furthermore, property crimes are also prevalent, with a reported rate of 6,778 incidents per 100,000 people. This translates to a 1 in 15 chance of becoming a victim of a property crime. The common types of crimes in this area include burglary, assault, and robbery. As a precautionary measure, it is strongly advised not to venture out alone at night in West Englewood.
7. Austin
Located on the West end of Chicago, Austin stands out as one of the areas to steer clear of. It is notorious for its high crime rates, making it one of the worst neighborhoods in the city. In terms of violent crime, Austin ranked 9th among all Chicago neighborhoods in 2022. Additionally, it ranked 20th in property crime during the same year. Furthermore, Austin earned the 5th spot in quality-of-life crimes, encompassing offenses like loitering, vagrancy, and unruly conduct.
8. Grand Crossing
Located on Chicago’s South Side, Grand Crossing is home to a population of 31,471 residents. In 2020, the neighborhood experienced a crime rate of 8,724 incidents per 100,000 people, which is a whopping 317% higher than the national crime rate.
In 2020, the neighborhood experienced a high rate of violent crimes with 2,858 incidents per 100,000 people. Gun violence has become a significant concern, with residents frequently expressing their distress over hearing gunshots during the night. Additionally, property crime in Grand Crossing stands at 5,866 incidents per 100,000 people, indicating that residents face a 1 in 18 chance of falling victim to such crimes.
9. Riverdale
Riverdale, situated on the far South end of Chicago, is widely recognized as one of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods. The area’s high rate of violent crime, relative to its population, contributes to this reputation. In 2021 alone, there were approximately 7,682 reported crimes per 100,000 residents in Riverdale. The risk of falling victim to violent crime in this neighborhood is alarmingly high, with each resident facing a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a victim. Additionally, property crime remains a prevalent issue, with 4,743 incidents per 100,000 people. This equates to a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Riverdale.
10. South Shore
South Shore, a neighborhood on Chicago’s South side, is renowned for its picturesque beaches along the Great Lakes. With a population of 54,000, South Shore experiences an overall crime rate of 7,573 crimes per 100,000 people. This means there is a 1 in 13 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. The area has a relatively high violent crime rate of 2,454 per 100,000 people, with robbery and assault being prevalent. The incidence of murder and gun violence in South Shore exceeds the national average.
In South Shore, the rate of property crime stands at 5,120 incidents per 100,000 people. This means that there is a 1 in 20 chance of becoming a victim of property crime.
