Chicago is a city of contrasts. With iconic landmarks and a vibrant cultural scene, it’s a place of beauty and inspiration. But let’s get real for a moment—some neighborhoods are pretty rough around the edges.
If you’re planning to visit or move to the Windy City, knowing where the danger zones are can be a lifesaver. West Garfield Park is widely regarded as the most dangerous neighborhood in Chicago, but there are other ones that deserve special attention, and it’s best to avoid them.
Yes, I was there and experienced the city firsthand, but I have to say that it is obvious that the city is struggling with crime. Or at least, parts of it.
This city is known to be one of the most dangerous in the US, so here’s a rundown of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago for 2024.
Before we start, I advise you check this video:
Ok, let’s see the worst neighborhoods in Chicago I found through my investigation:
- Washington Park (Most Dangerous Neighborhood in Chicago)
- West Garfield Park
- West Englewood
- North Lawndale
- Grand Crossing
- East Garfield Park
- Englewood
- Riverdale
- South Shore
- Auburn Gresham
- Austin
- Chatham
12. Chatham – Middle-Class Area Plagued by Drug and Gang-Related Activities
4,725 incidents per 100,000 people
Chatham is an interesting case—a middle-class area that’s still riddled with crime, particularly drug and gang-related activities.
Despite its socio-economic status, crime here is a constant threat, showing that violence doesn’t discriminate.
Overall Crime Rate
Chatham’s crime rates are substantially higher than national averages. The neighborhood has a crime rate of 178% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 198% higher as per AreaVibes.
The overall crime rate in Chatham is 8 per 1,000 residents, which is near the average for cities and towns in the U.S. as the statistics by NeighborhoodScout state.
Violent Crime
The rate of violent crime in Chatham is 16.51 per 1,000 residents. This means there is a 1 in 53 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in the eastern parts of the neighborhood, and a 1 in 122 chance in the southwest part, according to CrimeGrade.org.
The types of violent crimes include assault (6.549 per 1,000), robbery (7.929 per 1,000), rape (0.5269 per 1,000), and murder (1.507 per 1,000).
11. Austin – Alarmingly High Crime Rates Affecting Daily Life
5,489 incidents per 100,000 people
I love visiting Austin, as my sister lives there. I also spent a few months in that neighborhood while I was between the jobs. Did I feel safe there? Well, yes, but…
Austin’s crime rates for both violent and property crimes are alarmingly high. The area is infamous for quality-of-life crimes, adding to the daily struggles of its residents.
It’s not the kind of place where you’d feel safe wandering around, especially at night.
Overall Crime Rate
Judging by the statistics by AreaVibes and CrimeGrade.org, Austin’s crime rates are significantly higher than both the national and Chicago averages.
Total crime in Austin is about 136% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 167% higher.
Violent Crime
The rate of violent crime in Austin is approximately 10.43 incidents per 1,000 residents per year. This includes assaults, robberies, rapes, and murders. Assaults are the most common, with a rate of 5.67 per 1,000 residents, followed by robberies at 4.12 per 1,000 residents.
Murders and rapes are less frequent but still notable at 0.065 and 0.576 per 1,000 residents, respectively, as per statistics provided by CrimeGrade.org.
Property Crime
Property crimes, including burglary, theft, and vehicle theft, are also high in Austin. The property crime rate is about 2,046 per 100,000 people, as per statistics by AreaVibes, with theft being the most reported at a rate of 1,192 per 100,000 residents.
10. Auburn Gresham – Ongoing Struggles with Gang Violence and High Crime Rates
6,360 crimes per 100,000 people
Auburn Gresham is another neighborhood grappling with gang violence and high crime rates. It’s a tough place where the risk of encountering crime is always lurking around the corner.
Efforts to clean up the area are ongoing, but the fight is far from over.
Violent Crime
Residents in the northwest part of Auburn Gresham consider it the safest for violent crimes, while the northeast part shows the highest likelihood of becoming a victim of such crimes.
Here are the statistics from CrimeGrade.
- Assault: 6.69 per 1,000 residents
- Robbery: 3.49 per 1,000 residents
- Rape: 0.53 per 1,000 residents
- Murder: 0.47 per 1,000 residents
- Total Violent Crime Rate: 11.18 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime
- Theft: 18.49 per 1,000 residents
- Vehicle Theft: 2.13 per 1,000 residents
- Burglary: 6.16 per 1,000 residents
- Arson: 0.23 per 1,000 residents
- Total Property Crime Rate: 27.01 per 1,000 residents
Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Auburn Gresham is about 1 in 17, making it a high-risk area compared to other neighborhoods in Chicago and the wider U.S., as per AreaVibes.
9. South Shore – Lakeside Beauty Overshadowed by High Crime Rates
7,573 crimes per 100,000 people
South Shore might be known for its beaches, but don’t let the picturesque scenery fool you. High crime rates, especially for violent crimes and robberies, tarnish the area’s reputation.
It’s a place where the beauty of the lakeside is overshadowed by the threat of crime.
Overall Crime Rate
South Shore’s crime rates are substantially higher than both the national and Illinois averages.
The total crime rate in this area is 169% above the national average, making it one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago. Residents have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of crime, according to AreaVibes.
Violent Crime
The violent crime rate in South Shore is particularly concerning, with a rate of 14.86 per 1,000 residents per year, as CrimeGrade statistics show. This includes high incidences of assault (8.94 per 1,000), robbery (5.14 per 1,000), and a murder rate of 0.216 per 1,000.
This places South Shore in the 2nd percentile for safety, meaning it is more dangerous than 98% of neighborhoods in the U.S.
8. Riverdale – Extreme Violent Crime Rates and Property Crimes
7,682 crimes per 100,000 people
My dear friend lives in this neighborhood, so I visited frequently. He told me a lot of stories about this neighborhood, and he loves this part of Chicago. Still, he admits that his love for this neighborhood is bitter-sweet, as there is lots of crime on the streets.
Riverdale is off the charts when it comes to violent crime rates. Property crimes are also significant, making it a double whammy for residents. The neighborhood’s dangerous reputation precedes it, making it one of the most feared areas in Chicago.
Overall Crime Rate
Stats by AreaVibes show the following:
- The overall crime rate in Riverdale is 91.42 per 1,000 residents per year. This places Riverdale in the 2nd percentile for safety, meaning 98% of U.S. cities are safer.
Residents have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
Violent Crime
The violent crime rate is particularly high, with 11.53 incidents per 1,000 residents annually. As per NeighborhoodScout, specific violent crime rates include:
- Assault: 7.11 per 1,000 residents
- Robbery: 3.55 per 1,000 residents
- Rape: 0.58 per 1,000 residents
- Murder: 0.29 per 1,000 residents
The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 158.
Property Crime
- Theft: 45.81 per 1,000 residents
- Burglary: 11.23 per 1,000 residents
- Vehicle theft: 1.74 per 1,000 residents
- Arson: 0.31 per 1,000 residents
The chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 22 – AreaVibes.
7. Englewood – High Poverty Levels Fueling Frequent Violent Crimes
7,749 crimes per 100,000 people
Englewood is infamous for its high crime rates and staggering levels of poverty. Violent crimes, especially murders, are all too common.
The economic downturn has hit this area hard, leaving few opportunities for residents to escape the cycle of violence. It’s a tough place to call home, but efforts are being made to bring about change.
General Crime Statistics
- Englewood’s crime rates are 233% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 330% higher. The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Englewood is 1 in 13.
- The neighborhood experiences about 70 crime-related incidents per 1,000 residents annually, as per WorldMetrics.
Violent Crimes
- The rate of violent crime is 17.98 per 1,000 residents per year. Assaults are notably high, with a rate of 10.12 per 1,000 residents, as CrimeGrade.org reported.
- Englewood has a murder rate approximately five times higher than the national average and a high rate of shootings.
Property Crimes
- Property crimes in Englewood are also significant, with a high rate of motor vehicle thefts and burglaries. The neighborhood’s property crime rate is much higher compared to many other parts of Chicago, according to WorldMetrics.
6. East Garfield Park – Rampant Gang Activity and Property Crimes
8,510 crimes per 100,000 people
Just a stone’s throw from its western counterpart, East Garfield Park also struggles with high crime rates. Gang activity is rampant, contributing to both violent and property crimes.
The neighborhood’s reputation makes it one of the places you’d want to avoid, especially after dark.
Violent Crime
As was reported by Davidsonian, East Garfield Park in Chicago continues to face significant crime challenges in 2024. The overall crime rate in East Garfield Park is 266% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 338% higher than the national average.
Residents have a 1 in 12 chance of becoming a victim of crime. Residents in different parts of the neighborhood experience varying levels of risk. For example, the northwest area of East Garfield Park has a higher chance of violent crime, with residents facing a 1 in 51 chance, compared to a 1 in 96 chance in the northeast part of the neighborhood, as per CrimeGrade.org.
5. Grand Crossing – High Incidence of Gun Violence and Safety Concerns
8,724 incidents per 100,000 people
Gun violence is the name of the game in Grand Crossing. The neighborhood has high crime rates that make it one of the more dangerous spots in Chicago. Safety concerns overshadow the daily lives of residents, making it a challenging place to live.
Violent Crime Rate
16.08 per 1,000 residents, which includes the following statistics by CrimeGrade:
- Assault: 9.248 per 1,000 residents
- Robbery: 4.617 per 1,000 residents
- Rape: 0.5605 per 1,000 residents
- Murder: 1.657 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate
45.75 per 1,000 residents, consisting of:
- Theft: 36.22 per 1,000 residents
- Vehicle Theft: 1.877 per 1,000 residents
- Burglary: 7.359 per 1,000 residents
- Arson: 0.2963 per 1,000 residents
4. North Lawndale – Battling Drug-Related Crimes Amidst Economic Struggles
8,940 crimes per 100,000 people
North Lawndale isn’t just a tough neighborhood—it’s a community fighting for survival. Historical disinvestment has left it with crumbling infrastructure and limited job prospects.
Crime rates are sky-high, and many residents have criminal records, making it a vicious cycle that’s hard to break. However, local non-profits are working tirelessly to turn things around.
Overall Crime Rate
North Lawndale has a crime rate of 80.77 per 1,000 residents per year, as data by CityOfChicago shows. This places it in the 3rd percentile for safety, meaning it’s safer than only 3% of neighborhoods in the U.S.
Violent Crime
The violent crime rate in North Lawndale is 15.21 per 1,000 residents annually. This includes:
- Assault: 8.20 per 1,000 residents
- Robbery: 6.17 per 1,000 residents
- Rape: 0.67 per 1,000 residents
- Murder: 0.17 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime
Property crimes are also high, judging by AreaVibes stats, with a rate of 32.48 per 1,000 residents per year. This includes:
- Theft: 15.05 per 1,000 residents
- Vehicle Theft: 9.42 per 1,000 residents
- Burglary: 7.72 per 1,000 residents.
Other Crimes
CrimeGrade reports that other significant crime rates include:
- Drug Crimes: 17.46 per 1,000 residents
- Vandalism: 13.86 per 1,000 residents
- Kidnapping: 0.39 per 1,000 residents
3. West Englewood – Struggling with Persistent Violence and Economic Hardship
9,551 crimes per 100,000 people
West Englewood, much like its eastern sibling, is plagued by crime. Both violent and property crimes are prevalent, and walking around at night is risky business.
It’s a neighborhood struggling with many of the same issues—poverty, gang violence, and a lack of economic opportunities. Please read this community data (PDF).
Check this video out:
Violent Crime
West Englewood has a violent crime rate of 2,773 incidents per 100,000 people, as statistics by Davidsonian show.
This translates to a 1 in 37 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, which includes assaults, robberies, and even murders. Assaults are particularly prevalent, with an occurrence rate of 8.366 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime
Property crime is another major issue, with a rate of 6,778 incidents per 100,000 people. Residents face a 1 in 15 chance of falling victim to crimes such as burglary and theft, according to CrimeGrade. Thefts are the most common type of property crime, occurring at a rate of 26.14 per 1,000 residents.
Overall Safety
West Englewood ranks very low in terms of safety, falling into the 3rd percentile for neighborhood safety in the U.S. This means that 97% of neighborhoods are considered safer.
The high crime rates necessitate that residents remain vigilant, especially in the central parts of the neighborhood where crime is more concentrated, as reported by PropertyClub.
2. West Garfield Park – Epicenter of Gang Activity and High Crime Rates
11,126 crimes per 100,000 people
West Garfield Park holds the unfortunate title of Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhood. With crime rates 257% higher than the city average, it’s a hotspot for gang activity.
The community suffers from high levels of poverty and limited economic opportunities, creating a perfect storm for crime. Walking here at night is a gamble you don’t want to take.
Violent Crime
The neighborhood experiences a high frequency of violent crimes, including assaults, robberies, rapes, and murders. The assault rate stands at 8.324 per 1,000 residents, while the robbery rate is 5.546 per 1,000.
Murders occur at a rate of 0.1376 per 1,000 residents, which is one of the highest in America. These figures translate to a violent crime rate that is approximately 411% higher than the national average, as reported by AreaVibes.
Property Crime
Property crimes are also a major issue in West Garfield Park, with the overall crime rate being 379% higher than the national average, according to suburbs101. This includes a high likelihood of theft and burglary.
1. Washington Park – Most Dangerous Neighborhood in Chicago
6,553 incidents per 100,000 residents
Washington Park safety has been fairly low in the last couple of years and boasts some of the highest violent crime rates in the city—701% above the national average.
The area is notorious for its unsafe streets, where violent crimes occur far too frequently. It’s a neighborhood where caution isn’t just recommended, it’s essential.
Overall Crime Rates
According to Fox 32 Chicago, the neighborhood’s total crime rate is 297% higher than the national average, indicating a significantly elevated risk of both violent and property crimes.
Violent Crimes
The violent crime rate in Washington Park is particularly alarming. Residents face a 1 in 58 chance of being a victim of violent crime, which includes crimes like assault, robbery, and homicide as per, Chicago Police reports.
Property Crimes
Property crimes are also prevalent, judging by AreaVibes statistics with a 1 in 16 chance of being a victim. This category includes burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
Recent Reports
Recent reports highlight ongoing criminal activity in Washington Park, such as a robbery on November 25, 2024, and multiple shootings in the days preceding, as per SpotCrime.
My Methodology
Final Thoughts
Chicago’s dangerous neighborhoods highlight the city’s stark contrasts. While some areas are vibrant and thriving, others are struggling with high crime rates and economic hardships.
Awareness and caution are key if you find yourself in or near any of these neighborhoods. And remember, community efforts are making a difference, one small step at a time.
References for this article:
- AreaVibes – Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Chicago, IL
- NeighborhoodScout – Chicago Crime Rates and Statistics
- CrimeGrade – The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in Chicago, IL
- Niche – Washington Park Crime
- Davidsonian – Chicago’s Crime Landscape: Unveiling the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods and Safe Havens
- City of Chicago – North Lawndale map and crime stats
- Property Club – Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Chicago
- Suburbs101 – Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Chicago (2024)
Check this Reddit post:
What Are The Best/ Worst Places To Live In Chicago?
byu/bleachtrashcan inAskChicago
Also check this amazing Youtube video: Chicago – Inside The Most DANGEROUS City in America: Gangs & Crime
