Champaign County, situated in the central region of Illinois, is notable for housing the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which ranks among the nation’s largest public universities. Spanning an area of 998 square miles, this county accommodates around 209,000 residents.
Its county seat is Urbana, the second-largest city trailing Champaign. Within the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area, Champaign County boasts a vibrant and varied economy, culture, and educational landscape.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that Champaign County also contends with elevated crime rates within the state and its surrounding vicinity.
As per the FBI’s statistics from 2019, the county recorded a violent crime rate of 507 incidents per 100,000 residents, surpassing both the state’s average of 394 per 100,000 residents and the national average of 367 per 100,000 residents.
The property crime rate stood at 2,561 incidents per 100,000 residents, likewise exceeding the state average of 1,774 per 100,000 residents and the national average of 2,110 per 100,000 residents.
Certain neighborhoods within Champaign County experience higher crime levels, particularly in terms of homicides, robberies, assaults, burglaries, and thefts. Drawing upon data from sources like [HomeTownLocator], [Niche], [BestNeighborhood], NeighborhoodScout, and others, the subsequent section outlines the five neighborhoods deemed the most hazardous in Champaign County.
1. Garden Hills
Garden Hills, located in Champaign, is situated to the north of Interstate 74 and to the east of North Prospect Avenue. Covering an expanse of one square mile, this neighborhood is home to approximately 3,000 residents. Established during the 1950s and 1960s, Garden Hills was designed as a suburban enclave, featuring both single-family residences and apartment complexes.
Over the years, Garden Hills has grappled with challenges including poverty, joblessness, incidents of gang-related violence, and drug trade. In the year 2019, the neighborhood recorded a staggering violent crime rate of 2,096 per 100,000 inhabitants, surpassing the national average by over four times.
The homicide rate soared to 33 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average by more than eight times. Furthermore, the rate of property crimes registered at 4,192 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average. Notable pockets of high crime within Garden Hills encompass the Joanne Lane Corridor, Hedge Road Corridor, and Paula Drive Corridor.
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2. Downtown Urbana
Downtown Urbana serves as the central hub for business and holds historical significance in Urbana, which is the main city in Champaign County. The population in this area is approximately 4,000 people, and it encompasses around 0.5 square miles. Notable features of Downtown Urbana include its array of historic structures, cultural attractions, eateries, stores, and office spaces.
However, Downtown Urbana also contends with elevated levels of criminal activity, particularly related to property crimes. In the year 2019, the rate of violent crime reached 1,800 incidents per 100,000 residents, a figure almost five times higher than the national average. Notably, the rate of homicides was 0 per 100,000 residents, which was below the national average.
The occurrence of property crimes, encompassing theft and related offenses, stood at 7,200 incidents per 100,000 residents, indicating a rate over three times higher than the national average. The regions posing the highest risk within Downtown Urbana are the West Main Street Corridor, South Race Street Corridor, and East Elm Street Corridor.
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3. Douglas Park
Douglas Park, located in Champaign, is positioned to the south of Interstate 72 and to the west of South Neil Street. With a population of approximately 5,000 individuals, it spans an area of one square mile. Initially established during the early 20th century, Douglas Park served as a residential haven for African Americans who encountered discrimination and segregation in other sections of the city.
Despite its historical significance, Douglas Park has encountered a series of challenges, including poverty, unemployment, limited investment, and crime. In the year 2019, its violent crime rate reached 1,600 incidents per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by over fourfold. Likewise, the homicide rate stood at 16 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average by the same margin.
Furthermore, the property crime rate registered at 3,200 per 100,000 residents, higher than the national average. Notable among the areas with safety concerns in Douglas Park are the West Bradley Avenue Corridor, South McKinley Avenue Corridor, and West Eureka Street Corridor.
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4. Midtown
Midtown, located in Champaign, is positioned to the north of University Avenue and to the east of North Neil Street. Covering a one-square-mile area, this neighborhood is home to approximately 6,000 residents. It boasts a blend of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.
However, Midtown also grapples with notable crime rates, particularly in terms of violent incidents. In 2019, its violent crime rate stood at 1,333 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by over three times. The homicide rate reached 17 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average by more than four times.
Furthermore, the property crime rate reached 2,667 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average. Notably risky zones within Midtown include the North Market Street Corridor, West Columbia Avenue Corridor, and North Walnut Street Corridor.
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5. Philo Road
Philo Road, situated in Urbana, is positioned to the south of Interstate 74 and to the east of South Philo Road. This neighborhood is home to around 7,000 residents and spans a two-square-mile area. Characterized by its diversity and lower-income demographics, Philo Road comprises apartments, mobile homes, and various businesses.
Crime poses a significant challenge in the Philo Road area, particularly property-related offenses. In the year 2019, its rate of violent crime reached 1,143 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is over three times higher than the national average. Conversely, the rate of homicides stood at 0 per 100,000 residents, falling below the national average.
The incidence of property-related crimes was notably high at 4,571 per 100,000 residents, more than double the national average. Noteworthy trouble spots within Philo Road include the East Colorado Avenue Corridor, South Lierman Avenue Corridor, and East Florida Avenue Corridor.
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Conclusion
Here are the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Champaign County, Illinois, as indicated by the accessible crime information. Nevertheless, this doesn’t imply that secure or favorable residential areas are absent within the county. Numerous neighborhoods also boast reduced crime levels, superior educational institutions, and increased facilities.
Examples encompass the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign West, Cherry Hills / Robeson Meadows West-Prarie Ridge Place, Glenshire Commons, and Bolten Field. Champaign County stands as a varied and lively region, presenting numerous hurdles as well as prospects for enhancement and advancement.
