McHenry County, situated in the northeastern part of Illinois, is home to approximately 307,000 residents. Notably, it encompasses the largest city in the county, Crystal Lake. The county boasts a relatively high median household income of $76,000, surpassing the state average of $55,000.
Additionally, McHenry County maintains a low poverty rate of 9%, which is under the state’s average of 15%. The area offers various attractions, including the Illinois Railway Museum, the Volo Auto Museum, and the Moraine Hills State Park.
Nevertheless, it’s important to acknowledge that certain neighborhoods within McHenry County exhibit elevated crime rates and social challenges, rendering them less secure and appealing for both residents and visitors. The following list outlines five of the least safe neighborhoods in McHenry County, identified through Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout data analysis.
5. Marengo
Marengo, situated in McHenry County, is home to around 7,000 residents. It’s positioned close to Union and Garden Prairie and is primarily inhabited by individuals of white ethnicity. The median household income in Marengo is relatively low at $58,000, falling below the county’s average of $76,000. The city also experiences a higher poverty rate of 15%, surpassing the county average of 9%.
Marengo faces a notable issue with crime, particularly in terms of property-related offenses like burglary and theft. According to Crime Grade assessments, Marengo receives an F grade in both overall crime and property crime.
The city’s crime rate stands at 229 incidents per 1,000 residents, ranking higher than 90% of counties across the United States. The property crime rate is even higher at 211 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing 98% of counties nationwide.
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4. Woodstock
Woodstock functions as a city within McHenry County and is home to approximately 25,000 residents. It is situated in proximity to Bull Valley and Wonder Lake. The city’s populace is diverse, encompassing a significant Hispanic community.
Woodstock faces economic challenges, with a median household income of $60,000, falling beneath the county average of $76,000. Moreover, the poverty rate in Woodstock is notably high at 13%, surpassing the county’s average of 9%.
Concerns regarding safety are prevalent in Woodstock, particularly pertaining to violent crimes such as assault and robbery. According to Neighborhood Scout, Woodstock’s overall crime and violent crime rates receive an F grade.
The city’s crime rate stands at 278 incidents per 1,000 residents, a figure higher than 94% of neighborhoods in the United States. Additionally, the rate of violent crime reaches 9 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing 98% of neighborhoods in the country.
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3. Harvard
Harvard, situated in McHenry County, is home to approximately 9,000 residents. It is positioned in proximity to Walworth and Sharon, and its population is largely composed of individuals of Caucasian ethnicity.
The city of Harvard faces economic challenges, with a median household income of $46,000, falling below the county’s average of $76,000. Additionally, Harvard contends with a notable poverty rate of 18%, surpassing the county’s average of 9%.
One of the significant concerns for Harvard is its elevated crime rates, particularly regarding property-related offenses like motor vehicle theft and arson. According to Crime Grade evaluations, Harvard receives an “F” grade for both overall crime and property crime.
The city experiences a crime rate of 240 incidents per 1,000 residents, a figure higher than that of 92% of counties across the United States. Similarly, the property crime rate stands at 224 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 99% of counties in the US.
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2. Algonquin
Algonquin, situated in McHenry County, is a village with a population of around 30,000. Positioned near Lake in the Hills and Carpentersville, it boasts a diverse community with a notable Asian presence. Algonquin stands out with a relatively high median household income of $88,000, surpassing the county’s average of $76,000.
Additionally, it maintains a low poverty rate of 6%, which is under the county’s average of 9%. However, it’s important to note that Algonquin grapples with a significant crime issue, particularly regarding violent offenses like homicide and sexual assault.
As per information from Neighborhood Scout, Algonquin receives an F grade for both overall crime and violent crime. The village’s crime rate per 1,000 residents stands at 284, placing it higher than 95% of neighborhoods in the United States. Furthermore, the rate of violent crime, at 10 per 1,000 residents, surpasses that of 99% of neighborhoods in the US.
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1. Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake stands as the largest urban center and serves as the county’s seat for McHenry County, boasting a populace of approximately 40,000 individuals. Positioned in proximity to Cary and Lakewood, the city predominantly comprises a white demographic.
Impressively, Crystal Lake boasts a median household income of $84,000, surpassing the county’s average of $76,000. Additionally, the city maintains a minimal poverty rate of 5%, which falls below the county’s average of 9%.
Nevertheless, it is essential to note that Crystal Lake also grapples with the highest crime rates within McHenry County, particularly concerning violent offenses such as homicide and assault. According to assessments from Crime Grade, Crystal Lake has received an F grade concerning both overall crime and violent crime.
The city’s crime rate stands at 303 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 97% of counties across the United States. Moreover, the rate of violent crime is 11 per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 99% of counties nationwide.
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Conclusion
In the northeastern part of Illinois lies McHenry County, offering an array of opportunities and attractions for both residents and visitors. Nonetheless, it is not without its drawbacks. Some of its neighborhoods grapple with elevated crime rates and social issues, rendering them less appealing and secure for habitation or exploration.
These five specific neighborhoods stand out as the most perilous within McHenry County. This classification is based on data provided by Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout. These areas exhibit lower median household incomes, elevated poverty rates, and crime levels surpassing both national and county benchmarks.
Educational achievement remains limited, and essential amenities are scarce, compounding their socio-economic challenges. Individuals who prioritize their safety and well-being would be wise to exercise caution or avoid these neighborhoods altogether.
