Lake County, situated in the northeastern region of Illinois, boasts a population of approximately 696,535 individuals as of 2019. Renowned for its picturesque lakes, lush forests, and inviting trails, the county also offers a wealth of historical and cultural landmarks to explore.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to note that not all areas within Lake County provide the same level of safety and tranquility. Certain neighborhoods experience higher crime rates and a greater prevalence of violence, which can pose significant risks to both residents and visitors.
In this article, we shall delve into the five most perilous neighborhoods in Lake County, drawing insights from crime data sourced from NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.
North Chicago:
This neighborhood in North Chicago experiences a crime rate of 38.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 94% of the communities in Illinois. The likelihood of falling victim to either a violent or property crime here is 1 in 26.
The most prevalent types of crime in North Chicago include theft, burglary, and assault. Additionally, the city has a notably high murder rate, with 0.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 0.07.
Despite being the location of the Naval Station Great Lakes, the largest military installation in Illinois, North Chicago also contains some of the most impoverished and distressed areas in the county.
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Waukegan:
This neighborhood experiences a crime rate of 31.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 89% of the communities in Illinois. The likelihood of being a victim of either a violent or property crime in Waukegan is 1 in 32. The most frequently occurring crimes in Waukegan are theft, burglary, and robbery.
Additionally, Waukegan has a relatively high rate of rape, with 0.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 0.4. Waukegan, being the largest city and county seat of Lake County, has a diverse population and a rich history. However, it also confronts numerous social and economic challenges that contribute to its crime issues.
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Zion:
This neighborhood in Zion, Illinois, has a crime rate of 28.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, which surpasses the rates of 86% of other communities in the state. Residents here face a 1 in 35 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.
The most prevalent types of crime reported in Zion are theft, burglary, and assault. Additionally, the city experiences a high rate of motor vehicle theft, with 3.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 2.7.
Zion is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan and is recognized for its nuclear power plant and religious heritage. However, it grapples with significant challenges such as high unemployment and poverty rates, which contribute to its crime-related issues.
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Round Lake Beach:
This neighborhood in Round Lake Beach, Illinois, has a crime rate of 24.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, which surpasses the rates of 80% of other communities in the state. The likelihood of falling victim to either a violent or property crime in this area is approximately 1 in 41.
The most prevalent types of crimes reported here are theft, burglary, and assault. Additionally, Round Lake Beach faces a significant issue with fraud, with a rate of 4.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, higher than the national average of 2.4.
Round Lake Beach is a village located within the Round Lake area, which comprises four communities sharing a common lake and park district. Unfortunately, the area also has a history of gang violence and drug trafficking, contributing to its challenging crime situation.
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Mundelein:
This neighborhood in Mundelein, Illinois, has a crime rate of 23.8 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 78% of the other communities in the state. The chances of becoming a victim of either a violent or property crime here are 1 in 42.
The most common types of crime reported in Mundelein are theft, burglary, and assault. One concerning aspect is the relatively high rate of arson, standing at 0.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 0.1.
Despite its challenges, Mundelein takes pride in its diversity and strong community spirit. However, like many places, it grapples with social and economic issues that contribute to its crime problems.
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Conclusion
Here are the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Lake County, Illinois, as per the data sources available. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge that crime rates may fluctuate based on the time of day, the season, and other influencing factors that can impact the reporting and recording of crimes.
Consequently, these rankings should not be regarded as definitive measures of safety or risk; instead, they serve as relative comparisons among various areas within the county.
