Winnebago County, situated in the northern part of Illinois, is home to approximately 282,000 residents. The county encompasses the city of Rockford, which serves as both the county seat and the state’s third-largest city.
This region boasts a diverse economy and cultural scene, alongside notable attractions like the Anderson Japanese Gardens, the Burpee Museum of Natural History, and the Rockford Art Museum.
Nonetheless, Winnebago County also contends with certain neighborhoods characterized by elevated crime rates and social challenges, rendering them comparatively less secure and appealing for habitation or exploration.
Presented below are five of the most unsafe neighborhoods within Winnebago County, identified through data provided by Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout.
5. Loves Park
Loves Park stands as a municipality within Winnebago County, encompassing roughly 23,000 inhabitants. Positioned in proximity to Machesney Park and Roscoe, it boasts a primarily Caucasian demographic.
The median household income in Loves Park is modest, resting at $50,000, which falls below the county’s average of $51,000. This city also grapples with a notable poverty rate of 15%, surpassing the county average of 15%.
Regrettably, Loves Park contends with an elevated incidence of criminal activity, particularly concerning property-related transgressions like burglary and theft. As assessed by Crime Grade, Loves Park receives an F rating in both overall crime and property crime assessments.
The city’s crime rate equates to 229 incidents per 1,000 residents, a figure that outpaces that of 90% of counties across the United States. Specifically, the rate of property crime reaches 211 per 1,000 residents, exceeding that of 98% of counties nationwide.
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4. Cherry Valley
Cherry Valley stands as a village within Winnebago County, with a populace numbering around 3,000 individuals. Positioned in proximity to New Milford and Belvidere, the village primarily consists of residents of Caucasian ethnicity.
The median annual household income in Cherry Valley is comparatively low, resting at $42,000, falling beneath the average income of $51,000 for the county. Notably, Cherry Valley grapples with a poverty rate of 20%, surpassing the county’s average rate of 15%.
Concerningly, Cherry Valley experiences a notable incidence of crime, particularly relating to violent offenses like assault and robbery. As assessed by Crime Grade, the village earns an overall crime and violent crime rating of F.
The crime rate in Cherry Valley tallies at 222 per 1,000 residents, placing it higher than 89% of counties in the United States. The rate of violent crime stands at 8 per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 98% of counties in the US.
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3. South Beloit
South Beloit stands as a municipality within Winnebago County, boasting a populace of around 7,500 residents. Nestled close to Rockton and Beloit, the city showcases a diverse demographic composition, notably including a sizable Hispanic community.
The median annual household income in South Beloit is comparatively modest at $37,000, falling below the county’s average of $51,000. Moreover, the city grapples with a substantial poverty rate of 22%, surpassing the county average of 15%.
Regrettably, South Beloit contends with a heightened incidence of criminal activity, particularly in relation to property crimes like motor vehicle theft and arson. According to the Crime Grade assessment, South Beloit garners an overall crime and property crime grade of F.
The city’s crime rate stands at 240 incidents per 1,000 residents, positioning it higher than 92% of counties across the United States. Notably, the rate of property crime reaches 224 incidents per 1,000 residents, outstripping that of 99% of counties nationwide.
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2. Rockford
Rockford stands as the largest city and the administrative center of Winnebago County, boasting a population of approximately 147,000 residents. Positioned in proximity to Loves Park and Cherry Valley, the city hosts a diverse populace, notably including a substantial African American and Asian community.
The median household income in Rockford rests at a modest $40,000, falling below the county’s average of $51,000. The city also grapples with a notable poverty rate, reaching 29%, which surpasses the county’s average of 15%.
Regrettably, Rockford carries a significant burden of crime, particularly in terms of violent offenses like homicide and sexual assault. According to Neighborhood Scout, Rockford receives an F grade in both overall and violent crime assessments.
The city’s crime rate tallies at 270 incidents per 1,000 residents, a figure exceeding that of 94% of neighborhoods across the United States. The rate of violent crime is reported at 8 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 98% of neighborhoods in the nation.
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1. Winnebago
Winnebago, situated in Winnebago County, holds the distinction of being the most perilous neighborhood with a population of around 3,000 residents. Positioned near Seward and Pecatonica, it boasts a primarily Caucasian demographic. In terms of economic indicators, Winnebago stands out with a notably high median household income of $72,000, surpassing the county’s average of $51,000. Additionally, its poverty rate remains low at 6%, contrasting with the county average of 15%.
However, the neighborhood’s commendable economic metrics are counterbalanced by its disconcerting crime statistics. Winnebago claims the unfortunate distinction of having the highest crime rate in the entire county.
This is particularly true for violent offenses such as homicide and assault. According to Crime Grade assessments, Winnebago receives an F grade in both the overall crime and violent crime categories.
The prevailing crime rate in Winnebago is recorded at 303 incidents per 1,000 residents, a figure that positions it higher than 97% of counties across the United States. Delving into the specifics, the rate of violent crime is 11 incidents per 1,000 residents, ranking it higher than 99% of counties nationally.
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Conclusion
Winnebago County, situated in the northern part of Illinois, provides numerous opportunities and attractions for both its residents and visitors. Nonetheless, it does have certain neighborhoods that face elevated crime rates and social issues, rendering them less secure and appealing for living or exploration.
These five localities stand out as the most perilous within Winnebago County, as indicated by statistics from Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout. They exhibit lower median household incomes, elevated poverty rates, and above-average crime rates compared to the national and county norms.
Additionally, they display lower educational achievement levels and a lack of amenities that contribute to their societal and economic struggles. Individuals who prioritize their safety and well-being should exercise caution or consider avoiding these neighborhoods.
