Chicago stands out as a prominent cultural and economic powerhouse in the United States. Nonetheless, certain parts of the city are recognized for their issues with crime and violence. Explore the twelve neighborhoods in Chicago that pose the greatest risks.
Home to 2,746,388 residents, Chicago stands as a vibrant and expansive city filled with numerous attractions. Regrettably, the Windy City has a notorious reputation for elevated levels of violent crime. Chicago’s danger level is significantly higher than the national average, by approximately 67%. The city is facing challenges with both violent and property crimes, particularly marked by a significant occurrence of gun violence.
Washington Park
Washington Park is recognized as the most perilous area in Chicago. This part of Chicago experiences a significantly elevated level of violent crime, standing at 701% above the national average. Washington Park is home to 12,707 residents, and it experiences a crime rate that significantly exceeds the national average by 297%.
Moreover, incidents of violent offenses such as homicide, theft, and physical attacks are alarmingly elevated, positioning Washington Park as the most perilous area in Chicago.
West Garfield Park
West Garfield Park ranks among the most challenging neighborhoods in Chicago. Situated in the West Side of Chicago, West Garfield Park experiences an alarmingly elevated rate of violent crime. In West Garfield Park, the crime rate is alarmingly elevated, standing at 257% above the city average, leading to a staggering 1 in 20 likelihood for residents to fall victim to violent crime.
The high levels of violent crime in West Garfield are linked to significant gang presence in the neighborhood.
Englewood
Englewood ranks among the most challenging neighborhoods in Chicago. This area can be found on the South Side of Chicago, boasting a population of 24,369 residents. Englewood faces a significant challenge with a large portion of its population experiencing economic hardship. In 2022, Englewood experienced a crime rate that exceeded the average in Chicago by 125%.
Incidents of violent offenses such as theft, physical attacks, and burglary are prevalent. Safety concerns loom large in the neighborhood, which is plagued by elevated murder rates and incidents of gun violence, positioning Englewood among the most dangerous areas in Chicago.
North Lawndale
North Lawndale ranks among the most perilous areas in Chicago. North Lawndale was an evolving community on Chicago’s West Side, yet it faced significant challenges due to the 2008 economic downturn.
The crime rate in North Lawndale significantly exceeds the average for Chicago, standing at 10,606 incidents per 100,000 individuals, which is 198% higher. Residents face a significant likelihood, with at least a 1 in 9 chance of falling victim to various crimes.
East Garfield Park
Situated in West Chicago, Garfield Park has a notable history of elevated rates of violent and property crime. In the year 2022, the recorded occurrences of violent crime exceeded 2,800, while property crime instances surpassed 7,500.
The total incidence of crime stands at 10,195 occurrences for every 100,000 individuals. Residents of East Garfield Park face roughly a 10% likelihood of experiencing any form of crime. In 2020, the rate of property crimes reached 7,117 incidents for every 100,000 individuals, indicating that the likelihood of a resident falling victim to such a crime stands at 1 in 14.
West EnglewoChatham
Chatham ranks among the most perilous areas in Chicago. Situated to the east of Auburn Gresham, Chatham is yet another neighborhood on the Southside grappling with significant issues related to drug and gang violence.
Chatham’s crime rate stands at 6,471 incidents for every 100,000 residents, significantly surpassing the national average by 178%. The rate of violent crime has surged to an alarming 198% above the national average. In Chatham, the likelihood of falling victim to a crime is 1 in 16.
Austin
Austin stands out as a neighborhood to steer clear of in Chicago. Austin, situated on the West end of Chicago, ranks among the most troubled neighborhoods in the city regarding criminal activity.
Austin found itself positioned 9th in violent crime and 20th in property crime when compared to Chicago in 2022. In that same year, Austin secured the 5th position in Chicago concerning quality-of-life offenses, including loitering, vagrancy, and unruly behavior.
Riverdale
Riverdale stands out as one of Chicago’s most perilous neighborhoods, marked by a significant incidence of violent crime relative to its population size. Situated at the southernmost point of Chicago, Riverdale reported approximately 7,682 crimes for every 100,000 residents in 2021.
The rate of violent crime is alarmingly elevated, presenting a 1 in 39 likelihood for each resident to fall victim. Property crime is on the rise, with a staggering 4,743 incidents reported for every 100,000 individuals. The likelihood of falling victim to a property crime stands at 1 in 22.
Conclusion
Chicago stands out as a vibrant metropolis, characterized by its rich tapestry of neighborhoods. A number of the areas highlighted here have played a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape and identity of Chicago. Nonetheless, these areas have repeatedly been identified as among the most perilous in Chicago and some of the most troubled in the nation.
When considering a purchase or rental, it’s crucial to investigate the neighborhood to ensure you avoid the most perilous areas of Chicago. If you’re still uncertain after reviewing the statistics, consider reaching out to locals to gauge their sense of safety in the area.