Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Chicago & Safety Tips

Is Chicago as Dangerous as They Say? Discover the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago and what makes them hotspots for violence and criminal activity. Although Chicago is a city with a lot of personality, some neighborhoods are unfortunately plagued by persistently high crime rates, which make living challenging for both locals and students.

The most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago are especially notorious for having high rates of violent crime, such as shootings, robberies, and gang-related activity. Residents, especially kids, face safety concerns in these regions due to Chicago’s crime rate, which is far higher than the national average.

Chicago is a well-liked academic destination, with more than 400,000 students living there. Staying safe, however, requires knowing the dangers and the patterns of crime in each area. This article examines some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago in greater detail, providing information on crime statistics as well as the safety issues associated with residing there.

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Is Chicago a Dangerous City?

There is much discussion about Chicago’s reputation as a dangerous city. Chicago has a higher crime rate than the national average, per current data. It is regarded as more dangerous than average because its average crime rate is 62% higher than the national average. Chicago is a dangerous city in the United States, with an overall crime grade of D and a general crime rate of 41.09 per 1,000 residents during a typical year, according to CrimeGrade.org.

Property crime and violent crime are the two primary categories of crime that make up the crime rate. The rates of property crime and violent crime (per 1,000 residents) are both higher than the national average, as indicated in the tables below.

Violent Crime Rates

Crime Type	Crime Rate
Assault	2.679
Robbery	1.505
Rape	0.4705
Murder	0.0739
Total Violent Crime Rate	4.728

Property Crime Rates

Crime Type	Crime Rate
Theft	19.25
Vehicle Theft	2.080
Burglary	3.365
Arson	0.1329
Total Property Crime Rate	24.83

The fact that crime is not dispersed equally around the city should not be overlooked, though. A high standard of living can be found in some comparatively safe places, whereas others are deemed unsafe. The most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago and the safest locations to stay are described in the next section.

Overview of Safety in Chicago

There are many different neighborhoods in Chicago, and each has its own distinct personality. However, because of their increased crime rates, some neighborhoods face serious safety concerns. For students, it is essential to comprehend these difficulties. The following significant figures give a general picture of Chicago’s safety.

The overall rate of crime: The crime rate of Chicago is greater than the national average, with 40 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Violent Crime Rate: In comparison to the national average of 3.1 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, Chicago has a violent crime rate of 5.99 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime Rate: At 34.01 per 1,000 residents, Chicago has a higher rate of property crimes than the national average of 17.2 per 1,000 residents.
Auto theft: The incidence of motor vehicle theft in Chicago is 9.94 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the highest in the country.
Rates of Murder: Chicago’s homicide statistics vary substantially by neighborhood. Homicide rates, for instance, are ten times greater in Austin and Englewood than in other areas of the city.

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Chicago

Dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago are characterized by high crime rates and persistent safety issues. High rates of violent crime, such as robberies and shootings, add to the challenges locals face. It is crucial for students who live in or are visiting the city to be aware of the risks in these locations.

1. Washington Park

Population: Approximately 12,366 residents
Total Crime Rate: 16.81 incidents per 1,000 residents.

Having a very high rate of violent crime, Washington Park is among the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago. Over the previous year, there has been a notable 21% spike in robberies, which account for one-third of all violent crimes in the area. Residents, notably schoolchildren, are concerned about their safety because of the high concentration of gang activity and property crimes in this community. People who live in the region or attend local universities should be mindful of the increased risks when navigating Washington Park.

2. West Garfield Park

Population: Approximately 17,433 residents
Total Crime Rate: 14.66 incidents per 1,000 residents

With a robbery rate of 5.55 per 1,000 residents, West Garfield Park is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago. It faces serious issues with property crimes and gun violence. With about 1,000 gunshots documented over the previous five years, or about one every other day, the neighborhood has seen a significant volume of shootings. The neighborhood’s reputation as a dangerous Chicago neighborhood is also influenced by its noticeably high robbery rate.

Safety issues are exacerbated by the prevalence of gang-related activities and the presence of organizations like the Four Corner Hustlers in the region. Together, these elements exacerbate the region’s problems and turn it into a hub for urban crime. If you’re searching for safer options, you may learn more about communities with lower crime rates by visiting Safe Areas to Live in Chicago.

3. Englewood

Population: Approximately 21,378 residents
Total Crime Rate: 93.55 incidents per 1,000 residents

Because of its high crime rate and severe poverty, Englewood is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago. Robberies accounted for 20 per 1,000 persons in 2022, and Englewood has a violent crime rate that is 3.5 times greater than the city average. Due to the presence of infamous organizations like the Black Disciples, gang violence is pervasive in the region. Because of this, Englewood is regarded as a hazardous area in Chicago, posing serious threats to both residents and students. These problems are made worse by the neighborhood’s economic volatility and poverty rates, which are over 30%.

4. North Lawndale

Population: Approximately 34,794 residents
Total Crime Rate: 71.2 incidents per 1,000 residents

North Lawndale is among the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago, with 17.2 robberies per 1,000 residents. The neighborhood has 71.2 violent offenses for every 1,000 residents. In addition to a history of economic difficulty and disinvestment, socioeconomic variables like a poverty rate of more than 43 percent also play a role in these difficulties. Because of these problems, North Lawndale has frequently high crime rates and is among the most violent neighborhoods in Chicago. Insufficient resources and possibilities exacerbate the cycle of theft and violence, affecting the day-to-day life of the locals.

5. East Garfield Park

Population: Approximately 19,992 residents
Total Crime Rate: 66.6 incidents per 1,000 residents

East Garfield Park is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago because of the high rates of gun violence and property crimes. Violent crime is prevalent in the neighborhood, with 16.6 robberies for every 1,000 residents. Much of the violence in the neighborhood is fueled by gang activity, particularly that of organizations like the Black Souls and Gangster Disciples. East Garfield Park confronts significant safety issues that affect the daily lives of both residents and visitors as part of a larger trend observed in unsafe neighborhoods in Chicago.

6. West Englewood

Population: Approximately 25,772 residents
Total Crime Rate: 65.96 incidents per 1,000 residents

West Englewood is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago because of its high crime rates, especially violent crimes, including shootings, aggravated assaults, and robberies. The violent crime rate in the neighborhood is significantly higher than the city average, with 17.2 robberies per 1,000 residents. The town also has to deal with persistent territory disputes and illegal drug trafficking, both of which fuel the region’s propensity for gun violence. West Englewood is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago, with inhabitants always worrying about their safety due to these causes, high unemployment rates, and poverty.

7. Grand Crossing

Population: Approximately 28,991 residents
Total Crime Rate: 51.9 incidents per 1,000 residents

Grand Crossing has a lot of problems with property crimes like burglaries and sporadic violent crimes like shootings and aggravated assault. Since there are 9.4 robberies for per 1,000 people, the neighborhood is known as one of Chicago’s most dangerous. Socioeconomic variables that make safety issues worse include poverty, high unemployment rates, and restricted access to high-quality education. Due to these factors, which increase the likelihood of crime, Grand Crossing is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago in terms of safety. Residents there frequently experience the consequences of systemic poverty and a lack of municipal services.

8. Austin

Population: Approximately 69,839 residents
Total Crime Rate: 10.43 incidents per 1,000 residents

Due to its high crime rate, particularly violent crimes including robberies, shootings, and aggravated assaults, Austin, a West Side neighborhood in Chicago, is regularly named as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago. 4.12 robberies for every 1,000 residents in the neighborhood indicates an extremely high rate of violent crime.

These safety issues are influenced by socioeconomic variables, such as high unemployment, poverty rates, and restricted access to high-quality education. Austin is among the least safe neighborhoods in Chicago because of these factors, which may result in a rise in criminal activity.

9. South Shore

Population: Approximately 55,754 residents
Total Crime Rate: 59.19 incidents per 1,000 residents,

A significant issue in South Shore, a neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, is crime, particularly violent and property crimes. With a high robbery rate of 5.14 per 1,000 residents, this neighborhood is regarded as one of the most dangerous in Chicago. In addition, there is heightened concern about crimes against women, including sexual harassment and eve-teasing. Due to socioeconomic variables, including high unemployment and poverty rates, South Shore, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago, continues to experience issues with safety and crime.

10. Riverdale

Population: Approximately 10,159 residents
Total Crime Rate: 5.51 incidents per 1,000 residents

Situated in the southernmost region of Chicago, Riverdale is notorious for its violent and property crime problems. Many people consider it to be one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago because of the high rate of drug-related crimes and gang violence. The high robbery rate of 1.96 per 1,000 residents in Riverdale continues to make maintaining public safety challenging. It is also among the poorest neighborhoods in Chicago, and its residents suffer from a combination of high unemployment, economic hardship, and restricted access to resources, which exacerbates the neighborhood’s safety concerns.

11. Auburn Gresham

Population: Approximately 4,468 residents
Total Crime Rate: 64.56 incidents per 1,000 residents

Due to a mix of violent occurrences and property crimes, Auburn Gresham, which is located on Chicago’s South Side, is frequently listed as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago. There are 14.5 robberies for every 1,000 residents in the area, which is a comparatively high incidence. Residents are occasionally threatened by violent crimes, including aggravated assault and gun violence, which add to the instability of the region. Because of these crime rates, the neighborhood’s general sense of security is called into question, and inhabitants constantly worry about their safety.

Safety Advice when Relocating to a Dangerous Neighborhood in Chicago

Particularly for students, residing in the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago necessitates aggressive safety precautions. The following useful advice will help you stay safe:

Make Use of Campus Transportation: Use campus shuttles or ride-sharing services whenever possible, especially after hours. Campus transportation is often safer than public transit in the evening.
Avoid Dangerous Areas: Avoid areas with high crime rates or dimly lighted roadways, especially after dark. Plan your routes ahead of time.
Make Use of Campus Resources: Numerous institutions include emergency contact information, escort services, and safety apps. Use these resources to keep yourself informed and safe.
Remain Vigilant: Avoid using headphones and pay attention to your surroundings, especially when you’re in a new place.
Make Sensible Accommodation Choices: Selecting housing in a safer neighborhood that is near your university and other necessities is quite important.

While Chicago is a vibrant city with rich culture and history, certain neighborhoods have higher crime rates, making safety a top concern. Areas like Englewood, Garfield Park, and Austin have historically faced challenges with violent crime and gang activity. However, crime rates can vary within neighborhoods, and staying informed about local safety trends is essential.

To stay safe, always remain aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar areas at night, and use public transportation or rideshare services wisely. Engaging with local community groups and using crime-tracking apps can also help you stay updated on potential risks.

Despite crime concerns, Chicago remains a great city to visit and live in, with many safe and thriving neighborhoods. By taking precautions and making informed decisions, residents and visitors can enjoy the city’s attractions while minimizing risks. Awareness and preparation are key to staying safe in any urban environment.