Chicago, IL Crime Rate & Safety

Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 26% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 230 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 38 chance for property crime. Chicago has higher crime than 81% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Chicago has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 77% of the city's 86 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Edison Park is one of the safest areas, while Oakland has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Chicago is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Chicago are Edison Park, Mount Greenwood, Forest Glen, Schorsch Forest View, and Dunning. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Chicago include Oakland, Washington Park, Riverdale, Burnside, and United Center. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Chicago is 434.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 230 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.3 per 100K (26% above average); aggravated assault at 331.7 per 100K (24% above average); robbery at 78.1 per 100K (6% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Chicago is 2,610.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 43% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 38 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 293.8 per 100K (9% above average); larceny/theft at 1,882.3 per 100K (34% above average); vehicle theft at 434.8 per 100K (36% above average).

Chicago's overall crime rate is 26% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (36% above average), while rape is 44% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Chicago has higher crime than 81% of them.

Visitors to Chicago should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 43% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Edison Park, Mount Greenwood, Forest Glen.

Illinois as a whole has crime that is 3% above the national average. Chicago's crime rate is 26% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Illinois city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Chicago, with an estimated rate of 1,882.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 34% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,611 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (435 per 100K) in Chicago, which is consistent with national trends.