The Windy City's "Hold My Malört" Moment: A Look at 2020's Crime Numbers (Spoiler Alert: It Wasn't Making Deep Dish)
Ah, Chicago. City of broad shoulders, deep-dish pizza, and...well, let's just say 2020 wasn't exactly its year for chilling by the lake. Crime rates took a bit of a nosedive off the Willis Tower, and we're here to talk about it. But fear not, intrepid data enthusiast, this won't be your grandpa's statistics lecture. Buckle up, because we're about to dissect those numbers with the enthusiasm of a tourist finding a free parking spot near Wrigley Field (impossible, we know).
So, How Bad Did Things Get?
Let's not mince words, folks. Chicago in 2020 saw a doozy of a year for violent crime. We're talking about numbers that would make even Al Capone raise an eyebrow (and maybe question his career choices). Here's the not-so-pretty picture:
- Homicides: 772. Yep, you read that right. Enough murders to fill a stadium...almost (sorry Wrigley, you're safe...for now).
- Overall Violent Crime: Let's just say it was a "hold my Malört" kind of year. For those unfamiliar with this Chicago staple (a bracingly bitter liqueur), let's just say the crime rates were about as fun as downing a whole bottle.
But Wait, There's More! (Because Apparently, 2020 Wasn't Done Yet)
Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, that's a lot of crime." And you'd be right. But here's the kicker: this wasn't even a record year! Chicago's seen worse in the past (though that's a whole other story for another time).
Still, 2020 wasn't exactly a walk in Millennium Park. The city saw a spike in shootings, robberies, and aggravated assaults, making it feel like a bad episode of "Chicago P.D." come to life.
Why Did This Happen? Don't Ask Us, We're Not Mind Readers (But We Have Some Theories)
The reasons behind the crime surge are complex, and there's no single answer. Some folks blame the pandemic, while others point to social unrest or economic hardship.
Honestly, it was probably a combination of factors, like a crime stew with a bunch of not-so-delicious ingredients.
But hey, that's what makes Chicago great (in a weird way). It's a city that's always bouncing back, even after a year like 2020. So, here's to hoping the Windy City continues to rise above the, well, you know, and gets back to serving up deep dish and good times (with a little less mayhem on the side).
