Maywood, IL Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Maywood, IL

What is Maywood's overall crime grade and what does it mean?

Maywood, IL carries an overall crime grade of D+ for 2026, placing it in the lower tier of safety rankings among Illinois communities. This grade reflects a combination of both property and violent crime rates relative to national and state benchmarks. For context, a D+ grade means residents face a meaningfully elevated risk compared to the average U.S. city. Maywood's unemployment rate of 9.1% and poverty rate of 11.7% are socioeconomic factors that research consistently links to higher crime incidence. While the grade signals real concerns, it does not mean every block in Maywood is equally affected — crime distribution varies significantly by neighborhood, and many residential corridors remain relatively quiet day to day.

What types of crime are most common in Maywood?

Property crime accounts for the largest share of reported incidents in Maywood, consistent with national patterns for communities at this income level. Theft — including motor vehicle theft and retail theft — represents the most frequently reported category. Burglary is also a notable concern, particularly in areas with lower residential density. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, occurs at rates above the national average, contributing heavily to the D+ overall grade. Substance-related offenses intersect with both property and violent crime categories and are reflected in the city's incident data. Residents in higher-density corridors near major arterials tend to see a disproportionate share of these incidents compared to quieter interior residential streets.

How does Maywood's crime rate compare to nearby suburbs?

With a median household income of $56,623 and a median home value of $157,357, Maywood sits below the Cook County median on both measures, and its crime grade of D+ reflects that economic gap. Many neighboring western suburbs with higher median incomes post crime grades in the B or C range. Maywood's population density of 3,317 people per square mile is relatively moderate, meaning crime concentration — rather than sheer volume — is the primary driver of its grade. Compared to some inner-ring Chicago suburbs with similar demographic profiles, Maywood's numbers are broadly in line, though residents seeking a direct comparison should review the crime maps for individual ZIP codes on this site.

Which areas of Maywood tend to have higher crime activity?

While Maywood does not publish officially tiered neighborhood safety rankings, incident mapping consistently shows elevated activity near high-traffic commercial corridors and intersections along major east-west streets. Areas closer to industrial zones and transit corridors tend to log more theft and vehicle-related offenses. Residential blocks further from arterial roads, particularly those with active block clubs and well-maintained housing stock, generally show fewer reported incidents. The city's overall D+ grade masks this internal variation — some pockets perform closer to a C level while others drag the average down. Using the interactive crime map on this page to filter by incident type and date range will give you the most granular picture of activity near any specific address.

Is Maywood safe enough to raise a family?

A D+ crime grade warrants honest consideration for families evaluating Maywood. The poverty rate of 11.7% and unemployment rate of 9.1% create conditions that make sustained crime reduction challenging, and violent crime rates above the national average are a legitimate concern for parents. That said, many families do live in Maywood and cite affordable housing — with a median home value of just $157,357 and median rent of $972 — and proximity to Chicago as meaningful advantages. Family suitability depends heavily on the specific block and neighborhood. Prospective residents are strongly encouraged to review the crime map by neighborhood, visit during different times of day, and connect with local community organizations before making a decision. School safety records and community program availability are also worth researching independently.

What can residents do to improve safety in Maywood?

Given Maywood's D+ crime grade, community-level action has an outsized impact in a city of 23,351 people. Research shows that neighborhoods with active block clubs, consistent lighting, and high social cohesion experience measurably lower crime rates even when broader socioeconomic indicators are unfavorable. Practical steps include participating in or forming a neighborhood watch, reporting non-emergency incidents promptly to the Maywood Police Department so that data on the crime map stays current and accurate, securing vehicles and property with visible deterrents, and advocating for targeted lighting improvements on corridors with elevated theft activity. At the city level, initiatives that address the 9.1% unemployment rate — such as workforce development programs — have the strongest long-term effect on reducing crime incidence across all categories.