Last Updated on August 5, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
If you’re looking for a safe place to live, Chicago might not be the best city for you. According to recent data from the FBI, Chicago has some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, these same neighborhoods can provide it. In this blog post, we will take a look at the safest and most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago.
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago.
The most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago are those with the highest crime rates.
1. Altgeld Gardens.
Located on the far south side of Chicago, Altgeld Gardens is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city. The area is plagued by crime and poverty, and has been for many years.
Residents of Altgeld Gardens have to contend with gang violence, drug trafficking, and other serious crimes on a daily basis.
The neighborhood is also home to a number of abandoned buildings, which can be breeding grounds for crime. If you’re looking for a safe place to live in Chicago, Altgeld Gardens is not the neighborhood for you.
But if you’re looking for an adventure, then Altgeld Gardens may be just what you’re looking for. The area is full of interesting people and there is always something going on. Just be sure to keep your wits about you and stay safe.
2. Avalon Park.
Located on the far south side of Chicago, Avalon Park is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city. With a population of just over 12,000, the neighborhood has a violent crime rate that is nearly three times the national average.
In addition to being home to some of the city’s most violent gangs, Avalon Park is also plagued by poverty and unemployment.
3. Burnside.
On the far south side of Chicago, Burnside is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city. The crime rate here is very high, and there have been many shootings in recent years. If you’re visiting Chicago, you should avoid this area.
4. Calumet Heights.
This neighborhood is notorious for its high crime rates. In fact, it was named the most dangerous neighborhood in Chicago by the Chicago Tribune in 2017.
The violence in Calumet Heights is so bad that residents have started to organize their own patrols to keep an eye out for criminals.
5. Chatham.
The Chatham neighborhood on the South Side is one of the most dangerous in Chicago. In 2016, there were a total of 49 homicides in Chatham, which has a population of about 30,000.
That works out to a homicide rate of about 163 per 100,000 people, which is more than six times the citywide average.
Chatham is also one of the most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in the city. More than half of all households in Chatham live below the poverty line, and the median household income is just $25,000.
Unemployment is also a major problem in Chatham. The neighborhood’s unemployment rate was more than 20% in 2016, and the number of people who are “underemployed” (working part-time but wanting full-time work, or working in a job that doesn’t match their skills or education level) is even higher.
All of these factors contribute to the high level of crime in Chatham.
6. East Garfield park.
If you’re looking for a place to avoid in Chicago, East Garfield park is it. This neighborhood has been plagued by violence and crime for years, and it shows no signs of stopping. In 2016 alone, there were over 100 shootings in East Garfield park.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the problems in this neighborhood. Drugs, gangs, and poverty are all too common here, and it’s not a place for anyone who isn’t prepared to deal with those issues.
7. Englewood.
The most dangerous neighborhood in Chicago is Englewood. With a population of just over 30,000, this South Side community has seen more than its fair share of violence.
In 2016 alone, there were more than 100 homicides in Englewood. That’s one out of every 300 residents. To put that into perspective, the homicide rate in Chicago as a whole was one out of every 500 residents.
8. Fuller Park.
Located on the South Side of Chicago, Fuller Park is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city.
The crime rate in Fuller Park is very high, and there have been several violent crimes committed in this neighborhood. If you are looking for a safe place to live, you should avoid Fuller Park.
9. Grand Boulevard.
The Chicago Police Department has statistics that show the number of violent crimes committed in this area is significantly higher than any other neighborhood in the city. In addition, there are a large number of gangs and drug dealers who operate in this area.
10. Greater Grand Crossing.
The area has a high crime rate, and is known for gang activity. If you’re looking to avoid trouble, it’s best to stay away from Greater Grand Crossing.
11. North Lawndale.
North Lawndale is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago. The violence and crime rates are high, and there are very few resources available to residents.
Many of the buildings are abandoned, and there is little to no economic opportunity in the area. Residents of North Lawndale often feel trapped and hopeless.
12. Pullman.
It may be one of Chicago’s 77 community areas, but to many, it’s synonymous with danger. In 2012, there were 41 homicides in Pullman, more than any other neighborhood in the city. The violence has continued in recent years; in 2016, there were 30 shootings and six murders in Pullman.
And it’s not just violent crime that’s a problem in Pullman. The neighborhood has been plagued by gangs and drug activity for decades. In 2012, the Chicago police department designated Pullman as a “high-crime area” and increased its presence in the neighborhood.
13. Riverdale.
This is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago. It has a high crime rate and is known for its gang activity. There have been many shootings and murders in this area. If you are visiting Chicago, you should avoid Riverdale.
14. Roseland.
Roseland is a neighborhood on the far south side of Chicago. It’s bordered by 109th Street to the north, 119th Street to the south, Michigan Avenue to the east, and Interstate 57 to the west.
The area is largely residential, with some commercial businesses along its main streets. Unfortunately, it’s also one of Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods.
In 2016, there were 24 homicides in Roseland, and the neighborhood has a history of gang violence. If you’re planning on visiting Chicago, it’s best to avoid Roseland altogether.
15. South Chicago.
It’s the most dangerous neighborhood in Chicago according to the latest data from the Chicago Police Department. There were a total of 108 homicides in South Chicago in 2017, which is an average of nearly three per week. That’s more than double the number of homicides in the next most dangerous neighborhood, West Garfield Park.
South Chicago has been struggling for years with high crime rates, poverty, and a lack of investment. The neighborhood has been hit hard by the city’s budget cuts, and its residents have some of the lowest life expectancy in the city.
But there are also signs of hope in South Chicago. A new community center opened last year, and a number of local organizations are working to improve the quality of life for residents. There’s still a long way to go, but it’s important to remember that South Chicago is home to tens of thousands of people who are working hard to make it a better place.
16. South Deering.
Located on the city’s far south side, this neighborhood has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous in Chicago.
In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile crimes committed in South Deering, including a shooting that left two people dead and several others wounded.
17. South shore.
It is one of the 77 community areas of Chicago, Illinois. It includes the neighborhoods of Burnham Park, Calumet Heights, East Side, Hegewisch and South Chicago.
With a population density of over 13,000 people per square mile, it is the most densely populated community area in the city.
The majority of residents are African American. Violent crime is a serious problem in the community. In 2012, there were a total of 49 murders in South Shore. That number has been on the rise in recent years.
18. Washington Park.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Washington Park is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago. In 2017, there were a total of 33 homicides in the neighborhood. In addition to the high homicide rate, Washington Park also has a high violent crime rate.
In 2017, there were a total of 978 violent crimes in the neighborhood. This includes robbery, aggravated assault, and rape. If you are planning on visiting Chicago, you should avoid Washington Park.
19. West Englewood.
Just the name strikes fear in the hearts of Chicagoans. It’s been called a “war zone,” a “food desert,” and a “crime-ridden hellhole.” And with good reason: West Englewood is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago.
According to a recent study, West Englewood is the most dangerous neighborhood in Chicago. In fact, it’s so dangerous that residents have a one in four chance of becoming a victim of crime.
West Englewood has been plagued by violence for years. In 2016, there were more than 100 homicides in the neighborhood. That’s the highest number of homicides in any Chicago neighborhood.
The violence in West Englewood is largely due to gangs. There are dozens of gangs that call the neighborhood home, and they’re constantly fighting for territory. This turf war leads to shootings, stabbings, and other forms of violence.
20. West Garfield Park.
The most dangerous neighborhood in Chicago according to a recent study.
The study, which was conducted by the University of Illinois at Chicago, looked at a number of factors to determine the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city. These factors included: violent crime rates, property crime rates, poverty levels, and unemployment rates.
West Garfield Park topped the list, with a violent crime rate of 17.65 per 100,000 residents. This is more than double the citywide average of violence in Chicago, which stands at just over eight per 100,000 residents.
Property crimes are also a major problem in West Garfield Park. There were nearly 700 reported incidents of property crime in the neighborhood last year. This is also more than double the citywide average.
Poverty and unemployment are also major issues in West Garfield Park. Nearly 40% of residents live below the poverty line, and the unemployment rate stands at nearly 20%.
21. West Pullman.
Home to some of the worst violence in Chicago, West Pullman is a neighborhood you should avoid.
With a murder rate of 35 per 100,000 residents, it’s one of the most dangerous places in the city. In addition to violent crime, West Pullman is also plagued by drug activity and gang activity.
22. Woodlawn.
It is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago. The violence and crime rates are high, and there have been several shootings in recent years.
Woodlawn is also home to a large number of gangs, and many residents have been involved in gang activity. There is a lot of poverty in the neighborhood, and many people struggle to find work.
Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago.
1. Bridgeport.
Bridgeport is a neighborhood located on the South Side of Chicago. The area is known for its high crime rates and lack of safety. However, there are a few safe areas in Bridgeport that are worth mentioning.
The first safe area in Bridgeport is the Chinatown neighborhood. This area is home to a large Chinese population and has very little crime. The second safe area is the Polish Village neighborhood.
This area is home to a large Polish population and also has very little crime. Finally, the third safe area in Bridgeport is the Greektown neighborhood. This area is home to a large Greek population and has very little crime.
2. Bucktown.
This is the safest neighborhood in Chicago. The police are very active here and crime is very low. There are also a lot of families who live in Bucktown, so it’s a great place to raise kids.
If you’re looking for a safe place to live in Chicago, Bucktown is the perfect choice.
3. Edison Park.
It is the safest neighborhood in Chicago and has been for a number of years. The residents are friendly and there is a strong sense of community.
The crime rate is very low and there are few incidents of violence. Edison Park is a great place to live if you want to feel safe and secure.
4. Forest Glen.
It is one of the 77 official community areas of Chicago, Illinois. It is located on the city’s far northwest side. The neighborhood has a reputation for being one of the safest in Chicago.
This reputation is due in part to the fact that Forest Glen is largely residential. There are few businesses or other commercial establishments in the neighborhood. This lack of non-residential activity makes it difficult for criminals to operate in the area.
The other reason that Forest Glen is considered to be a safe place to live is its proximity to a number of police and fire stations. These emergency services are located throughout the neighborhood, which helps to deter crime. In addition, the Chicago Police Department has a special unit that patrols Forest Glen.
5. Gold Coast.
Located on the Near North Side, Gold Coast is one of Chicago’s wealthiest and most affluent neighborhoods.
The area is home to some of the city’s most expensive real estate, as well as high-end shops and restaurants. Gold Coast is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago, with a very low crime rate.
6. Lake View.
This is one of the most affluent and safest areas in Chicago. It’s bordered by Lake Michigan to the east and has great views of the city skyline. There aren’t many high-crime areas in Lake View and it’s considered to be a very safe place to live.
7. Lincoln Park.
The safest neighborhood in Chicago is Lincoln Park. With a population of just over 60,000 people, it has the lowest crime rate of any neighborhood in the city. It’s also one of the wealthiest neighborhoods, with a median household income of $85,000.
Lincoln Park is home to some of Chicago’s most popular attractions, including the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago History Museum, and the Field Museum of Natural History. It’s also one of the most desirable places to live in the city, with a variety of housing options and a lively nightlife scene.
8. Logan Square.
Logan Square is one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago. The community is very tight-knit and residents look out for one another. There is also a strong police presence in the area, which deters crime. Logan Square is a great place to live if you want to feel safe and secure.
9. North Center.
It has a very low crime rate and is home to many families and young professionals. The neighborhood is also very close to downtown, making it a convenient place to live. There are many great restaurants and shops in North Center, making it a great place to visit or live.
10. Norwood Park.
Norwood Park is one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago. The crime rate here is very low, and there are plenty of things to do in the area. There are also a lot of families who live here, so it’s a great place to raise kids.
11. West Lawn.
The West Lawn neighborhood is located on the southwest side of Chicago. The community is bordered by 59th Street to the north, Archer Avenue to the south, Pulaski Road to the west, and Cicero Avenue to the east. According to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data, West Lawn is one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago.
The West Lawn community is home to a variety of businesses, parks, and schools. The neighborhood is also home to the Chicago Lawn District police station. If you’re looking for a safe place to live in Chicago, West Lawn is a great option.
12. Westmont.
If you’re looking for a safe place to live in Chicago, look no further than Westmont. This neighborhood is consistently ranked as one of the safest in the city, and it’s easy to see why. With a low crime rate and plenty of amenities, Westmont is a great place to call home.
In addition to being safe, Westmont is also a great place to raise a family. The neighborhood is home to excellent schools, parks, and other amenities that families need. If you’re looking for a safe and family-friendly neighborhood in Chicago, Westmont is the perfect place for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the safest and most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago are not always what you would expect. While some of the most affluent areas are indeed the safest, there are also a number of safe neighborhoods in less affluent parts of the city. On the other hand, some of the most dangerous areas are also home to some of Chicago’s wealthiest residents. The best way to stay safe in Chicago is to be aware of your surroundings and to know which areas to avoid.
If you are ever in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid any neighborhood that makes you feel uncomfortable. With a little bit of knowledge and awareness, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe in Chicago.
