Bellwood, IL Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Bellwood, IL Crime

What is Bellwood's overall crime grade?

Bellwood, IL receives an overall crime grade of C for 2026. This grade places it in the middle tier of Illinois communities — not among the safest suburbs, but not among the most dangerous either. A C grade typically reflects a mix of moderate property crime activity and some violent incidents, which is consistent with many inner-ring Chicago suburbs of similar density. Bellwood's population density of approximately 3,026 residents per square mile contributes to the crime patterns seen across the village.

How does Bellwood's crime rate compare to similar Illinois suburbs?

With an overall grade of C, Bellwood sits near the midpoint when benchmarked against comparable Cook County suburbs. Communities with similar population sizes (around 18,799 residents), unemployment rates near 8.3%, and poverty rates around 11.1% tend to cluster in the C-to-D range. Bellwood's median household income of $63,006 and median home value of $162,737 are factors that correlate with moderate crime pressure — lower than wealthier suburbs but better than communities with significantly higher poverty concentrations. Property crimes, particularly vehicle-related incidents, tend to drive the overall grade in villages like Bellwood.

What types of crime are most common in Bellwood?

Property crimes represent the largest share of reported incidents in Bellwood. Theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary are the most frequently documented offense categories. Violent crimes — including assaults — do occur and are monitored closely by the Bellwood Police Department, particularly in higher-density corridors. Substance-related offenses also contribute to the overall crime picture. The village's C grade reflects this blend: property crime is the dominant driver, while violent crime, though present, is not at levels that would push the grade to a D or F.

Is Bellwood safe to live in?

Bellwood earns a C grade for overall safety, meaning it is a community where residents can live comfortably with reasonable precautions, but awareness of local crime patterns is important. The village's median rent of $1,043 and median home value of $162,737 make it an affordable option in the Chicago metro area. Many families and long-term residents report a strong sense of community. However, an unemployment rate of 8.3% — above the national average — and a poverty rate of 11.1% are socioeconomic indicators that correlate with elevated crime risk in certain pockets of the village. Staying connected to community watch programs and regularly checking the Bellwood crime map can meaningfully improve personal safety outcomes.

What are the safest areas in Bellwood?

While Bellwood does not publish granular neighborhood-level crime grades, the village's crime map data consistently shows that residential areas near public parks and along the St. Charles Road corridor tend to report lower incident densities. Areas close to the Bellwood Public Library and established single-family residential blocks generally benefit from stronger community engagement and more consistent police patrol activity. High-traffic commercial zones and corridors with higher population density tend to see a greater share of reported property crimes. Using the interactive crime map to filter by incident type and time frame is the most reliable way to assess safety block by block.

Has crime in Bellwood improved or worsened recently?

Bellwood's 2026 crime grade of C reflects a community that continues to manage moderate crime levels consistent with its socioeconomic profile. A village with an 8.3% unemployment rate and 11.1% poverty rate faces ongoing structural challenges that influence crime trends. While the Bellwood Police Department actively works to reduce incident rates through community policing initiatives, the overall C grade suggests that meaningful improvement would require sustained reductions in property crime — the category most responsible for pulling the grade below a B. Residents and prospective homebuyers should monitor year-over-year changes in the crime map data to track directional trends.