City Crime Score
Below avg crime
Population
15,994
Median Income
$79,189
Home Value
$165,933
Median Age
39.0
Crime Statistics
Demographics
26.1% have a bachelor's degree or higher
Housing
Hazel Crest, IL Crime Map
Explore crime rates, safest neighborhoods, and detailed crime statistics
Hazel Crest, IL: Understanding the Safety Landscape
With a population of 13,918 and an overall crime grade of C-, Hazel Crest, Illinois sits in a middle tier of safety among Chicago-area suburbs — not among the most dangerous communities in the region, but carrying enough crime pressure to warrant close attention from anyone living, working, or considering a move here. The village's unemployment rate of 11.7% and a poverty rate of 15.4% are both elevated compared to national benchmarks, and these economic stressors correlate with the crime patterns the data reflects. Understanding where and how crime concentrates across Hazel Crest is the first step toward making smarter decisions about where to live and how to stay safe.
What the Data Actually Shows About Crime Distribution
Hazel Crest's C- overall grade signals that the majority of the village's neighborhoods fall in the middle-to-lower range of the safety spectrum. The economic divide within the village is real: areas closer to major commercial corridors and transit routes tend to see higher incident rates, while quieter residential pockets fare better. The median household income of $55,010 and a median home value of just $121,326 suggest a working-class community where property crime — particularly vehicle theft and residential burglary — is the dominant concern rather than violent crime. That distinction matters when interpreting the map.
Property Crime vs. Violent Crime in Hazel Crest
Property crime drives the bulk of Hazel Crest's crime burden. Theft from vehicles, package theft, and home break-ins are the incident types that appear most frequently across the village's crime data, particularly in denser residential zones where homes are closer together and street lighting is inconsistent. Violent crime — assaults and robberies — does occur, but at lower relative rates, and tends to cluster near commercial nodes rather than deep in residential blocks. For residents, this distinction is practical: securing your vehicle, reinforcing entry points, and maintaining exterior lighting address the most statistically likely risks. The median rent of $1,455 means renters are paying a significant share of income for housing, making neighborhood-level safety data especially relevant when choosing where to sign a lease.
How the Interactive Crime Map Serves Hazel Crest Residents
The crime map on this page is built for practical use, not just general awareness. For daily commuters traveling through Hazel Crest on their way to Chicago or nearby employment centers, the map helps identify which routes and transit stops have higher incident histories during morning and evening hours. For home buyers evaluating properties in the $100,000–$140,000 range — squarely within Hazel Crest's median home value — the map provides block-level context that a listing description never will. Renters, who make up a substantial portion of the village given the $1,455 median rent, can compare specific streets and complexes before committing to a lease. The ability to filter by crime type and time period turns raw incident data into actionable intelligence rather than a source of generalized anxiety.
Putting Hazel Crest's Grade in Context
A C- grade does not mean Hazel Crest is uniformly unsafe, nor does it mean safety concerns should be dismissed. It means the village has meaningful crime pressure relative to state and national comparisons, concentrated unevenly across its 1,581-person-per-square-mile footprint. Economic indicators — an unemployment rate nearly double the national average and a poverty rate above 15% — help explain why certain blocks carry heavier crime loads than others. Residents who engage with the data regularly, report incidents promptly to the Hazel Crest Police Department, and use tools like this crime map to stay situationally aware are far better positioned than those relying on general impressions. The map is updated continuously; checking it before a move, a route change, or a neighborhood meeting is simply good practice in a community where the safety picture is uneven but legible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hazel Crest safe?
Hazel Crest is generally considered a safe community, especially when compared to larger urban areas. Like many suburbs, it benefits from a close-knit atmosphere and community-oriented policing efforts. While no city is entirely free of crime, the Hazel Crest crime map indicates that most incidents are minor or localized, and residents tend to feel secure in their neighborhoods. It's important to stay informed about specific areas and practice common safety precautions, but overall, Hazel Crest offers a peaceful environment suitable for families and individuals seeking a quiet suburban lifestyle.
What is the crime rate in Hazel Crest?
The crime rate in Hazel Crest is moderate, reflecting its status as a typical suburb of Chicago. Although exact figures fluctuate, the city experiences occasional property and vehicle crimes, with violent crime rates remaining relatively low compared to larger cities. The Hazel Crest crime map provides a helpful overview of where incidents have occurred, allowing residents and visitors to stay vigilant. Factors like community engagement and local law enforcement contribute to maintaining safety, making Hazel Crest a manageable place for those looking for a suburban setting with reasonable safety concerns.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Hazel Crest?
While specific neighborhood crime data is limited, some areas in Hazel Crest tend to be viewed as safer based on community reputation and local feedback. Neighborhoods near the Hazel Crest Park District or those around the Hazel Crest Shopping Center often have lower reported incidents and active community involvement. Suburban sections with well-maintained homes and active neighborhood associations also tend to be safer. For detailed safety insights, reviewing the Hazel Crest crime map can help identify areas with fewer reported issues, aiding prospective residents in choosing a secure place to live.
Is Hazel Crest a good place to live?
Hazel Crest offers a balanced suburban lifestyle with a population of around 13,918 residents. The community features affordable housing, with median home values around $121,326, and provides access to local parks, schools, and amenities that foster a family-friendly environment. The median household income of $55,010 suggests a working-class community, although the unemployment rate at 11.7% indicates economic challenges. Despite these factors, Hazel Crest's proximity to Chicago and its quiet neighborhoods make it appealing for those seeking a peaceful, affordable place to settle down. The Hazel Crest crime map can help evaluate safety, but overall, it is considered a decent place to live for many families and individuals."
Surrounding Cities
Hazel Crest Zip Codes
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