Bell West Neighborhood, Chicago
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safety at a Glance
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in Chicago
Is Bell West Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Bell West in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 140, which is 40% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), Bell West is 19% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 130, 30% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 0).
Bell West Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Chicago city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
34 | -66% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
0 | -100% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
50 | -50% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
How Bell West Compares
Crime index by category: Bell West vs Chicago average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Bell West Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Bell West Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Bell West, Chicago?
Bell West in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 140, which is 40% above the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in Bell West is 19% higher.
Is Bell West a safe neighborhood in Chicago?
Bell West is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Chicago, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Murder (index: 130), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 0).
How does Bell West compare to the rest of Chicago?
Bell West's overall crime index is 140, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in Bell West is 19% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 60, and for property crime it is 66. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Bell West?
The most prevalent crime type in Bell West is Murder, with a crime index of 130 (30% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Bell West?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Rogers Park, West Ridge, Edgewater and Andersonville. These areas are close to Bell West and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Bell West?
Bell West has a population of approximately 28. The median household income is $60,393. The median home value is $123,811. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Bell West crime compare to the national average?
Bell West's overall crime rate is 40% above the national average (index 140 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.