Illinois is known for its rich history, culture, and diversity. It also has some of the most violent cities in the US, according to the most recent FBI crime data. While Chicago is frequently highlighted for its high crime rate, another town in Illinois claims the title for most violent: Danville.
What Makes Danville so Dangerous?
Danville is a tiny city in Vermilion County, with a population of around 28,000. It is located around 89 miles northwest of Chicago, near the Indiana border. Danville was once a thriving industrial and agricultural hub, but it has seen economic loss, unemployment, and poverty in recent decades. These factors have led to an increase in crime and violence in the city.
According to the FBI, Danville had 1,755 violent crimes per 100,000 population in 2019, ranking third in Illinois and 30th in the US. Danville’s violent crime rate is more than four times the state average and more than six times the national level. Danville also has the highest property crime rate in the state, with 4,820 offenses per 100,000 people. Danville’s property crime rate is more than double the state average and more than three times the national level.
The most prevalent violent crimes in Danville are aggravated assault, robbery, and murder. Danville has one homicide per month in 2019, ranking 30th in the state. Burglary, larceny, and car theft are the three most prevalent forms of property crimes in Danville. Danville residents have a one in twenty risk of having their belongings destroyed or stolen each year.
What is Being Done to Reduce Crime in Danville?
The high crime rate in Danville has not been ignored by the police or the community. The city has adopted several initiatives to reduce crime and promote public safety, including:
- Increase the amount of police officers and patrol vehicles on the streets.
- Implementing community policing and neighborhood watch initiatives.
- Install security cameras and illumination in high-crime locations.
- Providing social assistance and support to vulnerable adolescents and families
- Collaborating with local groups and companies to generate employment and opportunities
- Improving the quality of life and attractiveness of the city.
These initiatives have shown some beneficial outcomes, with the crime rate in Danville dropping marginally in recent years. However, Danville has a long way to go before it can lose its image as Illinois’ most violent municipality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Illinois is known for its cultural diversity, the city of Danville stands out for a less positive reason: it is one of the most violent places in the United States. Economic problems, unemployment, and poverty have pushed crime rates much higher than state and national norms. Despite continued efforts and initiatives, Danville continues to struggle with the difficult challenge of reducing violence and creating a safer city.