Chicago has a reputation for both its variety and its reputation for crime, despite its reputation for summer fun, brutal winters, sports, entertainment, and the culinary industry. Chicago police records showed a decrease in gunshots and homicides in 2023 compared to the previous year.
PropertyClub determined which Chicago areas were the most unsafe. Go on down to the results.
10. Southern Shore
In South Shore, the likelihood of being a victim of a crime of any kind is 1 in 13, as reported by PropertyClub. Crime rates in this South Side area are significantly higher than the national average, with a high prevalence of robberies and assaults as well as murder and gun violence.
9. Riverdale
The extreme South Side neighborhood of Riverdale in Chicago had an alarmingly high crime rate of 7,682 per 100,000 residents in 2021. According to PropertyClub, the likelihood of a resident being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 39. The odds of being a victim of a property crime are 1 in 22.
8. Grand Crossing
According to PropertyClub, the crime rate in South Side Grand Crossing was 8,724 incidents per 100,000 people in 2020, which is 317% higher than the national average. Grand Crossing has a high rate of gun violence and a property crime victimization rate of 1 in 18.
7. Austin
Austin, on the western side of Chicago, is one of the most dangerous areas in the city, says PropertyClub. This area has the ninth-highest rate of violent crime and the twentieth-highest rate of property crime in 2022. On the other hand, quality-of-life crimes (such as loitering, vagrancy, and disorderly behavior) placed it fifth.
6. West Englewood
According to PropertyClub, the crime rate in this Southwest Side area is 9,551 per 100,000 people, which is double the average for Chicago. Victims of violent crimes in West Englewood have a 1 in 37 chance of becoming a victim, while victims of property crimes have a 1 in 15 shot. Robberies, assaults, and burglaries occur often.
5. East Garfield Park
According to PropertyClub, the likelihood of becoming a victim of a crime in this West Side neighborhood is 1 in 10. Gangs and gun violence are issues. A disproportionately high number of violent and property crimes have occurred in East Garfield Park.
4. North Lawndale
North Lawndale, located on the West Side of Chicago, was a growing area prior to the economic downturn of 2008, according to PropertyClub. Approximately 70% of North Lawndale men with criminal records are between the ages of 17 and 45. North Lawndale’s crime rate is 198% greater than the Chicago average, and the likelihood of becoming a victim of any crime is 1 in 9.
3. Englewood
According to PropertyClub, the poverty rate in this South Side community is at an all-time high. Compared to the rest of Chicago, Englewood had a 125% higher crime rate in 2022. Murder and gun violence are common in the area.
2. West Garfield Park
Compared to the rest of Chicago, the crime rate in West Garfield Park—which is located on the city’s West Side—is 257% higher, according to PropertyClub. There is a one in twenty risk that you might be a victim of violent crime, and gangs are often to blame for such crimes.
1. Washington Park
If you ask PropertyClub, this area on Chicago’s South Side is the most unsafe. It has a total crime rate that is 297% greater than the US average and a violent crime rate that is 701% higher. Assault, robbery, and murder are prevalent.
Sources: Local and Regional News Sources for Specific Towns and Property Club
