Chicago, with its vibrant cultural scene and bustling economy, is a city that attracts millions of visitors and residents every year. However, it is no secret that certain areas of the city have a higher incidence of crime and violence than others. In this article, we will explore the ten neighborhoods in Chicago that are considered to be the most dangerous.
Chicago is a vast and diverse city with a population of 2,746,388. However, it has gained notoriety for its high rates of violent crime. On average, the city is about 67% more dangerous than the national average. Gun violence is a significant issue, and both property and violent crimes occur frequently.
10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Chicago
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- Washington Park
- West Garfield Park
- Englewood
- North Lawndale
- East Garfield Park
- West Englewood
- Austin
- Grand Crossing
- Riverdale
- South Shore
1. Washington Park
Washington Park is considered the most perilous neighborhood in Chicago due to its alarming violent crime rate. The area’s crime rate is 297% higher than the national average, and its population of 12,707 faces a violent crime rate that is 701% higher than the national average. Unfortunately, Washington Park experiences a high number of violent crimes such as murder, robbery, and assault, making it the most unsafe part of Chicago.
2. West Garfield Park
West Garfield Park, situated on Chicago’s South Side, is among the most perilous neighborhoods in the city. The area has a disproportionately high rate of violent crimes, which is 257% higher than the rest of the city. This means that the residents of West Garfield Park have a 1 in 20 chance of becoming a victim of such crimes. The major cause of its violent crime rate is the extensive presence of gangs in the area.
3. Englewood
Englewood, located in Chicago’s South Side, is considered one of the worst areas in the city. With a population of 24,369, the neighborhood has a high number of residents living below the poverty line. In 2022, Englewood’s crime rate was 125% higher than the Chicago average. Violent crimes such as robbery, assault, and theft are prevalent, and the area experiences high incidents of gun violence and murder, making it an unsafe place to live.
4. North Lawndale
North Lawndale, located on Chicago’s West Side, is considered to be one of the most dangerous places in the city. Once a thriving neighborhood, North Lawndale suffered greatly during the 2008 recession. With a population of 34,794 residents, an estimated 70% of men aged 17-45 in the area have criminal records.
North Lawndale experiences a crime rate that is 198% higher than the average in Chicago, which translates to 10,606 crimes per 100,000 people. This alarming statistic indicates that residents have a 1 in 9 chance of falling victim to some form of crime. Moreover, in 2020, incidents of violent crime were recorded to be at 3,003 per 100,000 people, meaning that residents have a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.
5. East Garfield Park
Garfield Park, situated in West Chicago, is notorious for its high rates of violent and property crimes throughout history. The year 2022 witnessed more than 2,800 occurrences of violent crimes and over 7,500 incidents of property crimes. East Garfield, in particular, is plagued with issues of gun violence and gang activity. Shockingly, in 2021, the area witnessed over 77 shootings, posing a serious threat to the safety and security of the local residents.
East Garfield Park has an overall crime rate of 10,195 crimes per 100,000 people, indicating that residents have a 1 in 10 chance of being a victim of any type of crime. In terms of property crimes, the rate was 7,117 per 100,000 people in 2020, with residents having a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim. As for violent crimes, the rate was 3,078 per 100,000 people in the same year, which means residents have a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of such crimes.
6. West Englewood
Located in the Southwest part of Chicago, West Englewood is home to around 32,317 residents. Unfortunately, this neighborhood has a high overall crime rate of 9,551 crimes per 100,000 people, which is twice the average crime rate of Chicago.
West Englewood has a violent crime rate of 2,773 incidents per 100,000 individuals, resulting in a victimization probability of 1 in 37. In addition, property crimes in the area are reported at a rate of 6,778 per 100,000 people, which means that the likelihood of being a victim of a property crime is 1 in 15. Burglary, assault, and robbery are frequent occurrences in West Englewood, and it is advisable to avoid travelling alone at night.
7. Austin
Located on the West end of Chicago, Austin is considered one of the areas to avoid in the city due to its high crime rate. In fact, it is known to be one of the worst neighborhoods in terms of crime. According to the latest statistics, Austin was ranked 9th in Chicago for violent crime and 20th for property crime in 2022. Additionally, it was also ranked 5th for quality-of-life crimes, such as loitering, vagrancy, and unruly conduct. If you’re planning a visit to Chicago, it’s best to steer clear of Austin and explore other safer neighborhoods.
8. Grand Crossing
Located on Chicago’s South Side, Grand Crossing is home to 31,471 residents. Unfortunately, in 2020, the crime rate in this neighborhood was 8,724 incidents per 100,000 people. This staggering number makes the crime rate in Grand Crossing 317% higher than the national average.
Last year, the incidence of violent crimes in the area was recorded at 2,858 per 100,000 individuals. The neighborhood has been plagued by gun violence, with many residents frequently reporting hearing gunshots at night. Additionally, property crime rates in Grand Crossing were recorded at 5,866 incidents per 100,000 people, resulting in a 1 in 18 chance for residents to become a victim of such crimes.
9. Riverdale
Riverdale, situated on the far South end of Chicago, is renowned for its high rate of violent crime compared to the population in the area. In 2021, there were approximately 7,682 crimes per 100,000 individuals in the neighborhood, making it one of the most perilous places in Chicago. An alarming fact is that each resident in Riverdale has a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Furthermore, property crime is widespread, with 4,743 incidents per 100,000 people, which implies that the likelihood of becoming a victim of a property crime is 1 in 22.
10. South Shore
South Shore, located on Chicago’s South side and known for its beautiful beaches along the Great Lakes, is home to a population of 54,000. The area has an overall crime rate of 7,573 crimes per 100,000 people, making the chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime 1 in 13. Violent crimes, including robbery and assault, are prevalent with a rate of 2,454 per 100,000 people. Unfortunately, murder and gun violence are much higher than the national average in this area.
South Shore has a property crime rate of 5,120 incidents per 100,000 people, resulting in a 1 in 20 chance of falling victim to property crime.
Read More: The Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America (Updated 2023)
