Most Dangerous Areas in and Around Chicago

According to data provided by Neighborhood Scout, “The Windy City,” as Chicago is also known by its 2,700,000 residents, scores a total crime index rating of five on a scale of 100. In other words, 95% of cities in the United States are safer than Chicago. With that said, some of the areas in the city are safer than others. 

Here is a listing of the most dangerous areas in and around Chicago, based primarily on historically reported crime rates within the city, along with surrounding communities that consistently report elevated levels of violent and property crime. These insights draw from publicly available data and community safety discussions.

Areas in and Around Chicago With the Highest Crime Rates

Recognized as the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago can claim a number of other firsts, despite its “Second City” nickname. Inventions such as the automatic dishwasher, car radio, mobile phones, and the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile all came out of Chicago. Unfortunately, though, the city has also long been associated with crime, which makes home security systems in Chicago a valuable asset. Based upon the latest crime data from AreaVibes, the following Chicago neighborhoods have the highest reported crime rates.

Roseland

Roseland tops this list of the most dangerous areas in Chicago, IL, according to AreaVibes. Roseland’s population of 17,708 Chicagoans experience a rate of 2,502 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This makes Roseland’s rate some 363% higher than Chicago in general and 482% higher than the entirety of the USA. Located on Chicago’s Far South Side, the neighborhood has a long-standing reputation as one of the city’s higher-crime, higher-violence neighborhoods – particularly for shootings and homicides. Residents and local data sources consistently describe significant gun violence and safety concerns, with conditions varying block by block. Like many South Side areas, Roseland’s challenges are tied to concentrated poverty, disinvestment, and long-term segregation, which tend to correlate with higher rates of violent crime.

West Garfield Park

West Garfield Park is home to some 13,178 residents of Chicago. The neighborhood’s reported violent crime rate is 2,466 per 100,000 people. This gives it 357% more crime than Chicago in general and 362% more than the national average. Located on Chicago’s West Side, West Garfield Park consistently ranks among the city’s most dangerous areas, due to high rates of violent and property crimes. Gun violence, assaults, robberies, and gang activity dominate local incidents. Gang territorial disputes and drug sales fuel much of the violence, leading to intense block-by-block conflicts. Historical decline from a middle-class area in the 1950s to poverty and abandonment has worsened conditions. Community initiatives are striving to address root causes such as population displacement. 

Chicago Lawn

Chicago Lawn, situated on the south side of the city, is home to an estimated 15,636 of Chicago’s citizens. The area has a violent crime rate of 2,209 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 309% higher than Chicago as a whole, as well as 482% higher than the national average. Reviews describe relative daytime safety but nighttime unease, with occasional gang activity and frequent gunshots mistaken for fireworks. Residents report concerns over violent incidents like shootings, particularly at night, alongside property crimes. Shootings and homicides peaked around 2020-2021 before trending downward in the city as a whole. However, neighborhood-specific data shows persistent challenges in areas like Chicago Lawn.​

Washington Park

Washington Park, positioned on the south side of the city, faces elevated crime rates compared to national averages, particularly for violent incidents. Reports highlight gang activity and property crimes as ongoing concerns. Safety is reported to vary by specific blocks, with some areas posing higher risks. Home to an estimated 9,339 residents of the Chicago area, the neighborhood is reported to experience approximately 2,187 crimes per 100k people. This ranks it as having 305% more crime than Chicago as a whole, and 366% more than the U.S. overall. The area’s violent crime is most often between individuals who are known to one another, rather than random acts, according to residents’ accounts. Recent reviews note increasing shootings and gang presence.

West Englewood

West Englewood is another South Side neighborhood known for violent incidents like shootings and homicides. It ranks among the city’s more dangerous areas due to gang activity, poverty, and economic challenges. The area’s 20,571 residents are living with a violent crime rate of 2,162 per 100,000 people. This is 300% higher than Chicago in general and 343% more than the national average. Ongoing issues include first-degree murder and armed robberies of delivery drivers. Gang-related violence and property crimes also persist, typically peaking in the evenings. Community initiatives like violence interruption, outreach, and revitalization projects are working to address the root causes, such as underemployment. 

Maywood

Located just west of Chicago, Maywood has long reported higher-than-average violent crime compared to regional norms. Public data shows elevated rates of assault, robbery, and firearm-related incidents, particularly in certain residential corridors. Like many high-crime communities, safety conditions can vary block by block. Economic challenges, housing density, and long-standing disinvestment have contributed to persistent crime concerns, though local organizations continue working toward community stabilization and violence reduction.

Harvey

South of Chicago, Harvey has experienced sustained challenges related to violent crime and property crime. Reports frequently cite robbery, assault, and firearm-related incidents, with crime often concentrated in specific residential pockets. While redevelopment and public safety initiatives are ongoing, Harvey continues to rank among higher-crime communities in the Chicago metro area.

What Contributes to Higher Crime Rates in Some Areas

While no single factor defines a neighborhood, areas that report higher crime activity often experience a mix of environmental and economic stressors. These may include:

• Limited access to social services
• Higher poverty or unemployment rates
• Under-resourced infrastructure
• Fewer community programs or patrols

With that in mind, it’s important to note that crime data doesn’t always define a neighborhood’s character or potential. Many of these communities are home to dedicated residents and local organizations working toward positive change.

Tips for Staying Safe in Higher-Crime Areas

Being proactive doesn’t require a major investment; even simple steps can improve safety and visibility:

• Keep your property well-lit at night
• Always lock doors, windows, and vehicles
• Install visible cameras or video doorbells
• Join or start a neighborhood watch
• Coordinate with neighbors via apps like Nextdoor or Citizen
• Report suspicious activity to CPD online, or phone 312.746.6000

Crime prevention starts with community awareness and consistent action.

For You: Top Neighborhood Watch Apps

How Guardian Protection Can Help

For residents concerned about home safety, technology can add an extra layer of awareness and deterrence. Guardian Protection offers tools designed to support proactive security, including:

• Outdoor security cameras with motion-triggered alerts
• Video doorbells that record and notify in real time
• Smart sensors to monitor doors and windows
• 24/7 professional monitoring for fast emergency response

Our systems help families stay informed and connected, whether they live in higher-risk Chicago neighborhoods or nearby communities around the city.

Explore Guardian’s services in your area: Home Security in Chicago

Building a Safer Chicago Together

Crime data can be helpful for awareness, but it doesn’t tell the full story. What matters most is how communities respond. Whether you’re already involved in local safety efforts or just looking to protect your household, every step makes a difference.

Guardian Protection is proud to support Chicago homeowners with home security solutions that fit your neighborhood’s needs.

Ready to feel more secure? Get your free quote or call 800.857.5028 to learn more.