Illinois is a state with a rich history, culture, and diversity. It is also home to some of the most dangerous cities in the country, according to the latest FBI crime data. While Chicago often gets the spotlight for its high crime rate, there is another town in Illinois that takes the crown for most violent: Danville.
What Makes Danville So Dangerous?
Danville is a small city in Vermilion County, with a population of about 28,000. It is located about 89 miles northwest of Chicago, near the border with Indiana. Danville was once a thriving industrial and agricultural center, but it has suffered from economic decline, unemployment, and poverty in recent decades. These factors have contributed to the rise of crime and violence in the city.
According to the FBI, Danville had 1,755 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2019, making it the third most violent city in Illinois and the 30th most violent city in the nation. The violent crime rate in Danville is more than four times higher than the state average and more than six times higher than the national average.
Danville also had the highest property crime rate in the state, with 4,820 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The property crime rate in Danville is more than double the state average and more than triple the national average. The most common types of violent crimes in Danville are aggravated assault, robbery, and murder.
Danville averaged a murder each month in 2019, giving the city the 30th highest murder rate in the state. The most common types of property crimes in Danville are burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Danville residents face a 1 in 20 chance of having their stuff damaged or stolen each year.
What Is Being Done to Reduce Crime in Danville?
The high crime rate in Danville has not gone unnoticed by the authorities and the community. The city has taken several measures to combat crime and improve public safety, such as:
- Increasing the number of police officers and patrol cars on the streets
- Implementing community policing and neighborhood watch programs
- Installing surveillance cameras and lighting in high-crime areas
- Providing social services and resources to at-risk youth and families
- Partnering with local organizations and businesses to create jobs and opportunities
- Enhancing the quality of life and the appearance of the city
These efforts have shown some positive results, as the crime rate in Danville has decreased slightly in recent years. However, there is still a long way to go before Danville can shed its reputation as the most violent town in Illinois.
Conclusion
Danville is a town that has faced many challenges and hardships, but also has many strengths and potentials. It is a town that has a proud history, a diverse culture, and a resilient spirit. It is a town that is working hard to overcome its problems and to create a better future for its residents. It is a town that deserves more attention and support from the rest of the state and the country. Danville may be the most violent town in Illinois, but it is not the only thing that defines it.