Updated May 26, 2022 - News

Chicago is no hellhole to us

heart and chicago star — Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

At the recent GOP gubernatorial debate, downstate candidate Darren Bailey derided Chicago as a "hellhole."

Why it matters: For starters, the comment rankles unabashed Chicago-lovers like us.

But it could also prove a questionable strategy in a state where three-quarters of the population resides in the Chicago metro area, and almost a fourth lives in the city.

By the numbers: Chicago ranked as the 10th most popular place to move in the nation in 2021, according to a recent analysis of truck rental data by Penske. It's the first year our hellhole has cracked the top 10 since 2015.

And last fall Chicago was voted best big city by readers of Condé Nast Traveler for the fifth year in a row.

Violence view: We do have way too much. But when it comes to per capita murder and gun homicides, Chicago doesn't even make the top 10.

Instead, our city ranks 26th in the category.

💭 Monica's thought bubble: As a professional gadfly, I get the need to push for improvements. But after 50 years here, I'm still proud to call this hole my home.

💭 Justin's thought bubble: Could you imagine if a Chicago Democrat called downstate a hellhole? Maybe Bailey is just a "Spinal Tap" fan.

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Chicago is no hellhole to us

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