Google Fusion Interactive Map of Homicides 2007 - March 2013

Since Chicago is known for its high-rate of homicides (indeed, this past week, we've broken our record of never exceeding one homicide a day and have more than 1 homicide in a day), we decided to create a map of data to begin to delve into the weighty subject of gun violence in Chicago. This, we hope, begins to create a more concrete backing for the need (or not) of a medical trauma center in the Hyde Park and other areas.

Below is a Google Fusion map made from data provided by RedEye Chicago's homicide count. It's interesting to note that this is a tool headed by the Chicago Tribune; when asked about resources that could possibly help in this particular aspect of the project, a Chicago Tribune journalist (who had reported on the UChicago trauma center) informed us that no such data on homicides was compiled and that no other journalists at the Tribune knew or used anything of the sort.

Here's an embed of the interactive map:

Please also note:

• over 70% of homicide deaths have been of black Chicagoans.
• there is a relative "bubble" surrounding the Hyde Park area (to see Hyde Park in terms of income, click here). Directly outside this approximate bubble, we see the frequency of homicides drastically increase.

It is also interesting to see Hyde Park specifically in terms of income/rent. This information can begin to piece together evidence as to the conditions which create an environment of high rates of violence (which may or may not culminate in homicide):