Chicago is famous for three big things: deep-dish pizza, the wind, and gun violence. This city remains as ever a place of complexity, where art and danger coexist. Chicago generally gets the most homicides of any city, which gives it a toxic reputation for "world's most dangerous city".
But like every city, Chicago is also a mix of high and low crime areas. The safety of tourists in Chicago can vary depending on the neighborhood and time of day. In this guide, we explore the top 10 dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago based on the recent crime statistics. Whether you are visiting or thinking about relocating, being aware of the most dangerous neighborhoods can help you stay safe.
Is Chicago Safe?
No, overall, Chicago is not considered a safe city, but its level of danger is not as high as you might imagine. According to the 2024 crime figures released by the FBI, Chicago's total crime rate is 4012.2 per 100,000 people, which is 89% higher than the national average of 2119.2. Its crime rate ranks 14th among the top 30 largest U.S. cities. A new safety ranking from WalletHub places Chicago 161st in overall safety out of 182 U.S. cities.
How Dangerous is Chicago?
Violent crime (Homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault): There were about 540 violent crimes recorded per 100,000 people in Chicago in 2024, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Last year, Chicago's violent crime rate was down 11% on 2023 levels and roughly half what it was in the years leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic. On this measure, the city ranked near the bottom of US cities with populations larger than 500,000 (29th out of 37), according to BBC Verify analysis of FBI data.
Murders: In 2024, The FBI recorded 461 homicides. Since 2012, Chicago has had the most murderers of any US city for 13 consecutive years. But in terms of the homicide rate per 100,000 people, Chicago did not top the list last year. BBC Verify analysis of FBI figures shows that Chicago ranked tenth out of 37 US cities with a population of more than 500,000 people. It is hasty to easily judge Chicago as the most dangerous city in the world.
Property Crime (such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft): The property crime rate is 3472.4 per 100,000 residents. It's 97% higher than the national average of 1,760.1.
Quick Snapshot Table: Dangerous Neighborhoods in Chicago 2025
| Neighborhoods | Total crime rate per 1,000 | Violent crime rate per 1,000 | Property crime rate per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roseland | 124.76 | 28.01 | 96.75 |
| Washington Park | 100.25 | 24.49 | 75.76 |
| West Englewood | 95.25 | 24.20 | 71.05 |
| South Shore | 72.01 | 16.78 | 55.23 |
| Woodlawn | 90.41 | 19.34 | 71.07 |
| East Garfield Park | 70.19 | 19.41 | 50.78 |
| North Lawndale | 61.75 | 17.59 | 44.16 |
| Greater Grand Crossing | 59.4 | 8.92 | 50.48 |
| Fuller Park | 56.92 | 8.55 | 48.37 |
| South Chicago | 45.51 | 11.1 | 34.41 |
Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Chicago
Chicago's crime rate isn't evenly distributed. It's concentrated in Chicago's specific community areas. Based on the data from AreaVibes, here are the top 10 most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago.
Source: neighborhoodscout
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
How to Stay Safe in Dangerous Chicago Neighborhoods?
1. Home and Property Safety
Basically, it's important to secure your entry points in Chicago. You can install security cameras and heavy-duty smart locks, like the eufy Smart Lock S330 on the doors of your house. The installation of video doorbells is also a good choice that can be used in Chicago.
For more advanced security protection, consider the 24/7 professional monitoring system like the eufy ExpertSecure 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, especially if you own a small business. 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.
2. Personal Safety
Stay vigilant. The first step is to stay aware of your surroundings. Do not walk while using your cell phone or wearing headphones.
Stay informed. Keep up-to-date with local news both before and during your trip. Knowing about any events or areas to avoid can help you plan a safer visit. For updates on local news, events, and safety in Chicago, check the official website of the City of Chicago or reliable local news outlets, including the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, and ABC 7 Chicago.
Stay in Well-Lit, Populated Areas. Especially at night, walk in groups when possible and stick to well-lit streets and more populated areas. Avoid shortcuts through alleys or less busy streets.
Keep Valuables Secure. While exploring the bustling streets of Chicago or any city, itās imperative to keep your belongings safe and secure, especially in crowded areas where pickpocketing may occur. And consider wearing your backpack in front of you.
3. Transportation Safety
Opt for well-known public transport or reputable taxi (including Yellow Cab Chicago and Chicago Carriage Cab) and rideshare services (like Uber and Lyft), especially at night. The āLā train and buses are generally safe, but being aware of your surroundings is always advisable.
When driving, always park in well-lit areas. Be sure to lock the doors and close all windows before leaving your car. Never leave spare keys inside the vehicle. Don't leave bags in your car.
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Conclusion
While Chicago does have relatively high safety risks, the crime rate is not uniform across the city. Not all neighborhoods in Chicago face the same safety challenges. You can fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the city by simply avoiding dangerous neighborhoods like Roseland, East Garfield Park, and Washington Park, staying alert and following our safety tips. At home, consider installing security cameras or a home security system to protect both your personal safety and property. When traveling, plan your route based on crime data and remain vigilant throughout your journey.
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.
Is it safe to walk around Chicago?
Yes, it is generally safe to walk around Chicago, especially in tourist destinations. But at night, extra care is needed. Stick to common-sense rules such as keeping an eye on your belongings, staying alert and aware of your surroundings, sticking to well-lit and highly populated areas, and avoiding walking alone late at night.
