Cook County, situated in the northeastern part of Illinois, boasts a population of approximately 5.2 million residents. The county is renowned for being home to the vibrant city of Chicago, which serves as its county seat and is the largest city within its boundaries.
Cook County offers a rich blend of diverse economy and culture, making it an appealing destination with numerous attractions, including the iconic Willis Tower, the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago, and the popular Navy Pier.
However, despite its allure, Cook County faces certain challenges, particularly in some neighborhoods with high crime rates and social issues. These areas can be less safe and less desirable for both residents and visitors alike. Based on data from Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout, here are five of the most hazardous neighborhoods in Cook County.
5. Englewood
Englewood, located on the south side of Chicago, is a neighborhood with a population of approximately 25,000 people. The majority of its residents are African American. Situated close to Interstate 90 and Highway 41, Englewood faces certain challenges.
One significant concern is its low median household income, which stands at $20,000, well below the city’s average of $51,000. The poverty rate in Englewood is also considerably higher, reaching 44%, compared to the city’s average of 15%.
Unfortunately, Englewood experiences a high crime rate, particularly in violent crimes like murder and assault. According to Crime Grade, the neighborhood receives an F grade for overall crime and violent crime.
The crime rate in Englewood is 321.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it higher than 98% of counties across the United States. The rate of violent crime is 9.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, placing it higher than 99% of counties in the country.
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4. Austin
Austin, situated on the west side of Chicago, is a neighborhood with a population of approximately 95,000 residents. It is conveniently located near Interstate 290 and Highway 43. The community in Austin is diverse, but notably, it has a significant African American population.
However, the neighborhood faces some challenges. The median household income in Austin is relatively low at $32,000, falling below the city’s average income of $51,000. Moreover, the poverty rate is quite high, standing at 29%, which is above the citywide average of 15%.
One pressing concern is the crime rate in Austin, particularly concerning property crimes like burglary and theft. According to Crime Grade assessments, Austin receives an F grade for overall crime and property crime.
The crime rate in the area is 298.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 97% of counties across the United States. Specifically, the rate of property crime is 252 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing 99% of counties nationwide.
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3. West Garfield Park
West Garfield Park, situated in Chicago, is a neighborhood with an approximate population of 18,000. It occupies the west side of the city, conveniently close to Interstate 290 and Highway 50. The community is predominantly African American.
In terms of economic conditions, West Garfield Park faces challenges. The median household income is notably low, amounting to $26,000, which falls below the city’s average income of $51,000. Additionally, the neighborhood grapples with a high poverty rate of 34%, surpassing the city average of 15%.
Unfortunately, West Garfield Park has been struggling with a concerning crime rate, particularly for violent offenses like murder and rape. According to Neighborhood Scout, the overall crime and violent crime rates in the area are rated as “F.”
The crime rate in West Garfield Park stands at 284 incidents per 1,000 residents, placing it higher than 95% of neighborhoods across the United States. Specifically, the rate of violent crime is 10 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 99% of neighborhoods nationwide.
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2. Fuller Park
Fuller Park, situated in Chicago’s south side near Interstate 90 and Highway 41, is a neighborhood with approximately 2,500 residents. It is predominantly inhabited by African Americans. However, the area faces significant challenges, with a very low median household income of $19,000, which falls well below the citywide average of $51,000.
Poverty is a pressing issue in Fuller Park, as it experiences a remarkably high poverty rate of 64%, far exceeding the city’s average rate of 15%. This economic hardship contributes to the neighborhood’s struggle with crime.
Unfortunately, Fuller Park has earned a reputation for its elevated crime rates, particularly when it comes to violent offenses like murder and assault. On the Crime Grade scale, Fuller Park receives an F grade for both overall crime and violent crime.
Statistically, the crime rate in Fuller Park is 303 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing 97% of counties across the United States. The rate of violent crime is even more alarming, at 11 incidents per 1,000 residents, ranking higher than 99% of counties nationwide.
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1. Washington Park
Washington Park, situated in Cook County, is known for its alarming crime rates, making it the most dangerous neighborhood in the area. It has a population of approximately 11,000 and is located on the south side of the city, close to Interstate 90 and Highway 41. The community primarily consists of African American residents.
One of the concerning aspects of Washington Park is its significantly low median household income, which stands at $21,000, well below the city’s average of $51,000. This economic disparity contributes to the neighborhood’s high poverty rate, which is at a staggering 48%, far above the city’s average poverty rate of 15%.
The crime situation in Washington Park is a cause for great concern, particularly regarding violent offenses like murder and rape. According to Neighborhood Scout’s evaluation, the neighborhood has been given an F grade for overall crime and violent crime.
The crime rate is remarkably high, with 270 incidents per 1,000 residents, placing it in the top 94% of neighborhoods in the entire United States. Additionally, the rate of violent crime is 8 per 1,000 residents, putting it in the top 98% of neighborhoods in the country.
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Conclusion
Cook County, located in the northeastern part of Illinois, offers a plethora of opportunities and attractions for both residents and visitors. Nevertheless, it is important to note that certain neighborhoods within the county face significant issues with high crime rates and social problems, which affect their safety and desirability.
These five neighborhoods, identified through data from Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout, are particularly dangerous within Cook County. Their low median household incomes, high poverty rates, and above-average crime rates when compared to national and county averages contribute to their challenging living conditions.
Additionally, these neighborhoods struggle with low educational attainment levels and lack essential amenities, further exacerbating their social and economic difficulties. For those who prioritize their safety and well-being, it is advisable to avoid or exercise caution when considering these neighborhoods for residence or visitation.
