Don't Fear the Reaper (But Maybe Double Check Your Life Insurance): A Look at Chicago's Demise...Rates
Let's face it, folks, the internet is a spooky place. You type in "sunny day in Chicago" and BAM! You're bombarded with articles about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. You search for "deep dish pizza" (because, hello, priorities) and suddenly you're reading a ten-page conspiracy theory about the secret rat population running the city (jury's still out on that one).
So, it's no surprise that if you type in "how many people die in Chicago a day" you might start picturing yourself dodging hailstorms of tumbleweeds and tumbleweeds only. But fear not, intrepid web wanderer! Here's the lowdown on Chicago's deathly demise... rates, that is.
The Big Windy's Body Count: Not as Dramatic as the Headlines Make It Seem
Now, look, nobody's gonna sugarcoat it. Chicago has seen its fair share of... well, let's just say "unfortunate incidents." But to answer your burning question: Chicago isn't exactly a daily Hunger Games arena.
For a more realistic picture, we gotta look at the numbers. Thankfully, we don't have to resort to counting crows on the Sears Tower (it's Willis Tower now, get with the times!). According to the lovely folks at the Chicago Sun-Times, who seem to have a morbid fascination with keeping track of these things (bless their dark hearts), in 2024, as of today (cue dramatic music...), there have been around 152 homicides. That's a sobering statistic, to be sure, but spread over the course of a whole year, it averages to about one death per day.
Hold on Now, Partner, Before You Pack Your Bags...
But wait! This doesn't mean you should waltz through the streets blindfolded singing show tunes. Here's a little "Staying Alive in the Second City" PSA for you:
- Use common sense. Don't wander down dark alleys quoting Shakespeare unless you're auditioning for a zombie movie.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Street smarts are your best friend, especially late at night.
- Brush up on your negotiation skills. If you find yourself cornered by a rogue squirrel demanding your deep dish (those things are vicious, man), maybe offer them a slice for safe passage.
Look, Chicago's a vibrant city with a ton to offer. Deep dish pizza, world-class museums, and enough jazz clubs to make Miles Davis tap his foot from beyond the grave. So come on down, enjoy yourself, but just remember: a little healthy caution never hurt anyone (except maybe that squirrel who underestimated your love for pizza).
