Madison County, located in the southwestern part of the state of Illinois, has a population of approximately 262,000 residents. Within this county lies the city of Edwardsville, which serves as the county seat and ranks as the third-largest city in the Metro East region.
Madison County boasts a richly diverse economy and culture, along with several notable attractions including the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, and the National Great Rivers Museum.
Nonetheless, the county also encompasses a few neighborhoods characterized by elevated crime rates and social challenges, which diminish their safety and appeal for both residents and visitors alike. Presented below are five of Madison County’s most precarious neighborhoods, identified through data analysis from Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout.
5. Granite City
Granite City, situated in Madison County, is home to approximately 29,000 residents. Positioned in close proximity to Collinsville and Pontoon Beach, the city boasts a diverse population, prominently featuring a sizable African American community.
The city’s median household income stands at a modest $46,000, falling below the county’s average of $57,000. Trailing behind the county’s average of 15%, Granite City contends with an elevated poverty rate of 18%.
Regrettably, Granite City grapples with a notable crime rate, particularly concerning property-related offenses like burglary and theft. According to Crime Grade, Granite City’s overall crime and property crime have been assigned an F grade.
This city’s crime rate is reported at 229 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 90% of counties across the United States. Specifically in terms of property crime, the rate reaches 211 incidents per 1,000 residents, exceeding that of 98% of U.S. counties.
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4. Alton
Alton stands as a city within Madison County, boasting a population of roughly 26,000 individuals. Situated in proximity to Godfrey and Wood River, it is marked by a predominantly white demographic.
The median household income in Alton is relatively modest at $38,000, falling below the county-wide average of $57,000. The city also grapples with a notable poverty rate of 29%, surpassing the county average of 15%.
When it comes to crime, Alton faces significant challenges. Particularly in relation to violent offenses like assault and robbery, the city experiences a high crime rate. According to data from Neighborhood Scout, Alton’s overall crime and violent crime grades are both rated as F.
The incidence of crime in Alton translates to 278 cases per 1,000 residents, placing it in a higher bracket than 94% of neighborhoods across the United States. In terms of violent crime, the rate is 9 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing 98% of neighborhoods in the US.
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3. Venice
Venice, situated in Madison County, is home to around 1,800 residents. Positioned close to East St. Louis and Brooklyn, this city mainly comprises African American inhabitants.
The median household income in Venice is notably low, standing at $19,000, which falls below the county’s average of $57,000. Moreover, the poverty rate is alarmingly high at 64%, surpassing the county average of 15%.
Crime is a pressing concern in Venice, particularly when it comes to violent offenses like murder and rape. According to Neighborhood Scout, the city earns an F grade for both overall and violent crime.
The crime rate in Venice is 270 per 1,000 residents, a figure higher than that of 94% of neighborhoods across the United States. The rate of violent crime is even more concerning at 8 per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 98% of neighborhoods in the US.
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2. Madison
Madison, situated in Madison County, is home to around 3,700 residents. The city is in close proximity to Granite City and Fairmont City, and its population is predominantly African American.
Madison faces significant socioeconomic challenges, with a notably low median household income of $21,000—considerably beneath the county’s average of $57,000. This economic struggle is reflected in a high poverty rate of 48%, surpassing the county average of 15%.
Regrettably, Madison also contends with elevated crime rates, particularly concerning violent offenses such as homicide and assault. According to Crime Grade, Madison receives an “F” grade for both overall crime and violent crime.
The city’s crime rate stands at 303 incidents per 1,000 residents, ranking higher than 97% of counties across the United States. The rate of violent crime is 11 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the figures in 99% of counties nationwide.
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1. East Alton
East Alton stands out as the most perilous neighborhood in Madison County, encompassing approximately 6,000 residents. Situated in close proximity to Wood River and Roxana, this area is predominantly inhabited by individuals of white ethnicity.
The median annual household income in East Alton is notably low at $46,000, falling below the county’s average of $57,000. Additionally, the poverty rate here is relatively high, reaching 15%, which surpasses the county’s average of 15%.
Disturbingly, East Alton also boasts the highest crime rate within Madison County, particularly concerning property-related offenses like motor vehicle theft and arson. According to Crime Grade assessments, East Alton receives an abysmal F grade for its overall crime and property crime situations.
The rate of criminal incidents in East Alton reaches 321.5 per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 98% of counties across the United States. In terms of property crime, the rate stands at 224 per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 99% of counties in the US.
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Conclusion
Madison County, located in the southwestern part of the state of Illinois, provides a range of opportunities and attractions for both residents and visitors. Nonetheless, it also contains certain neighborhoods characterized by elevated crime rates and social issues, diminishing their safety and appeal for living or exploration.
These five communities stand out as the most hazardous within Madison County, as indicated by data from Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout. They exhibit below-average median household incomes, elevated poverty rates, and crime levels surpassing both national and county norms.
Additionally, they display limited educational achievements and scarce amenities, further exacerbating their social and economic difficulties. It is advisable for individuals who prioritize their safety and well-being to exercise caution or even avoid these neighborhoods.
