Chicago is the third-largest city in the US with a population of around 2.6 million. It's the most populous city in Illinois with over 200 distinct neighborhoods that make 77 communities.
Like every city, Chicago is also a mix of high and low crime areas. And if you are visiting or thinking about relocating, you should be aware of the most dangerous neighborhoods.
We are here with a list of the top 10 dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago. We share the recent crime statistics to give you an idea of how dangerous these neighborhoods are.
An Overview of Chicago's Crime Statistics
Chicago's crime rate is elevated compared to the national median. It's even higher than the state's annual crime rate.
The total crime rate of the city is 40.00 per 1,000 residents. It's 73.9% higher than the national median of 23. Compared to the total crime rate of 20.30, it's 97% higher.
The violent crime rate of the city is 5.99 per 1,000 residents. It's around 50% higher than the national median of 4. Even the state's violent crime rate is way lower, 3.10 per 1,000 residents.
The property crime rate is 34.01 per 1,000 residents. It's 79% higher than the national median of 19. While the Illinois property crime rate is 17.20.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 167 and property crimes are 1 in 29. According to the stats, the crime per square mile of Chicago is 461, which is approximately 17 times the national median, 26.5.
Source: NeighborhoodScout
Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Chicago
Roseland
Roseland's total crime rate is 124.76 per 1,000 residents. It is 442% higher than the national median of 23. It's also 211% higher than the state's average of 40 per 1,000 residents.
The violent crime rate of the neighborhood is 28.01 per 1,000 residents. It's 600% higher than the national median of 4.
The property crime rate is 96.75 per 1,000 residents. And it's around 400% higher than the national average of 19.
Washington Park
Washington Park's overall crime rate is 100.25 per 1,000 residents. Its violent crime rate is 24.49, which is 512% higher than the national median (4).
The property crime rate of the neighborhood is 75.76, which is almost 4 times the national median (19). The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 14 and property crimes are 1 in 14.
West Englewood
West Englewood is another neighborhood known for its high crime rate. Its violent crime rate is 24.20 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate is 71.05 per 1,000 residents. Both are way above the national and state averages.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 42 and property crimes are 1 in 15. It's safer than 0% of the cities in Illinois.
South Shore
South Shore's violent crime rate is 16.78 per 1,000 residents. Compared to the rate of Chicago (6.07) and the national average (4), it is extremely high.
Its property crime rate is 55.23 per 1,000 residents. It's around 190% higher than the national average, and the chances of becoming a victim of property crimes are 1 in 19.
Woodlawn
Woodlawn has a high overall crime rate of 90.41 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of a crime in Woodlawn are 1 in 12.
Its violent crime rate is 19.34 per 1,000 residents, which is 383% higher than the national average and 52% higher than Chicago's violent crime rate.
The property crime rate is 71.07 per 1,000 residents. It's 274% higher than the national property crime median of 19.
East Garfield Park
With a total crime rate of 70.19 per 1,000 residents, East Garfield Park is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago.
Its violent crime rate is 19.41 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate is 50.78 per 1,000 residents. Both of these stats are quite higher than the national averages of 4 and 19, respectively.
North Lawndale
The violent crime rate in North Lawndale is 17.59, which is 339% higher than the national average.
Similarly, its property crime rate is 44.16, which is 132% higher. Thus, its overall crime rate becomes 61.75 per 1,000 residents.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 57 and property crimes are 1 in 23.
Greater Grand Crossing
Greater Grand Crossing's total crime rate is 59.40 per 1,000 residents. It's 158% higher than the national median (23) and 48.5% higher than Chicago's crime rate.
The violent crime rate is 8.92 per 1,000 residents, which is more than 2X of the national median. The property crime rate is 50.48 per 1,000 residents, which is 218% higher than the national average of 19.
Fuller Park
Fuller Park's violent crime rate is 8.55 per 1,000 residents. It's 113% higher than the national median. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 117.
The property crime rate of the neighborhood is 48.37 per 1,000 residents. It is 2.5 times the national average. The chances of becoming a victim of property crimes are 1 in 21.
South Chicago
South Chicago is the last dangerous neighborhood on this list, but its crime rate is way higher than the national average.
Its total crime rate is 45.51 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of crime are 1 in 22.
The violent crime rate is 11.10 per 1,000 residents, which is 177% higher than the national median of 4. The property crime rate is 34.41 per 1,000 residents. It's 81% higher than the national average.
Source: AreaVibes
Common Crimes in Chicago
Violent Crimes
Assault: The assault rate of Chicago is lower than the national average. The rate is 1.27 per 1,000 residents, while the national average is 2.64 per 1,000 residents.
Robbery: With 10,844, the robbery rate is 4.07, which is around 500% higher than the national median of 0.67 per 1,000 residents. It indicates robberies are more common than assaults in Chicago.
Rape: The rape rate is 0.47 per 1,000 residents. It's a little higher than the national average of 0.38 per 1,000 residents.
Murder: The murder rate of Chicago is 0.19 per 1,000 residents, which is 3 times the national average of 0.06 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crimes
Theft: The theft rate of the city is 21.29 per 1,000 residents. It's 59% higher than the national median of 13.47.
Burglary: With 7,382 reported burglary cases, the rate is 2.77. It is a little higher than the national median, 2.51 per 1,000 residents.
Vehicle Theft: Vehicle theft is quite common in Chicago. The crime rate is 9.94 per 1,000 residents, which is around 3 times the national median of 3.19.
Source: NeighborhoodScout
How Residents Can Ensure Their Safety in Chicago?
Home and Property Safety
You can secure your home with the eufy Expert Secure System E10. It's a video alarm system with 24/7 expert monitoring. Thus, a person monitors everything and responds to suspicious activities so that you can be worry-free. It secures your house with powerful cameras, a video doorbell, an alarm system, and sensors. You receive real-time alerts and updates on your connected devices.
eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max is another excellent choice for home security. It's a security camera system with four triple-lens security cameras. They capture every moment with intricate details and exceptional clarity. They track the motion of objects and keep you updated. The local AI agent detects threats and takes immediate actions.
Other than that, there are plenty of options. You can check out eufy IP cameras and video doorbells.
Personal Safety
Pay special attention to your surroundings and stay away from strangers. Keep your valuable items hidden and be careful wherever you go. Try to walk in groups and go along with your friends.
If you are walking alone, go through well-lit areas. Make sure to share your live location with your loved ones. Do not use your smartphone while walking, and be confident. Avoid dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago and report if you witness any suspicious activity.
Vehicle Safety
For vehicle safety, install smart gadgets like dashcams, car security cameras, smart locks, and GPS trackers. They help you track your car and keep an eye on every activity. You receive real-time alerts on your devices.
Park in well-lit areas and keep valuables hidden. Lock the doors and windows, and prefer parking at a suitable public space.
FAQs
What is the most dangerous neighborhood in Chicago?
Roseland is the most dangerous neighborhood in Chicago. Its violent crime rate is 28.01 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate is 96.75 per 1,000 residents.
What neighborhoods to avoid in Chicago?
You should avoid Roseland, Washington Park, West Englewood, South Shore, and Woodlawn. These neighborhoods have extremely high violent and property crime rates.
Which part of Chicago is safest?
Edison Park is the safest part of Chicago. Its violent crime rate is 1.2, and its property crime rate is 8.12 per 1,000 residents. Other than that, Lincoln Park, Forest Glen, and Lake View are also safe.
