Birchwood West Neighborhood, Chicago
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Chicago
Is Birchwood West Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Birchwood West in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 54, which is 46% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), Birchwood West is 67% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Chicago as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 88, 12% below average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 10). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Birchwood 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
|
49 | -51% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
74 | -26% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
49 | -51% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
10 | -90% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
42 | -58% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
88 | -12% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
How Birchwood West Compares
Crime index by category: Birchwood West vs Chicago average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Birchwood 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
Birchwood West Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Birchwood West, Chicago?
Birchwood West in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 54, which is 46% below the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in Birchwood West is 67% lower.
Is Birchwood West a safe neighborhood in Chicago?
Birchwood West is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Chicago, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 88), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 10).
How does Birchwood West compare to the rest of Chicago?
Birchwood West's overall crime index is 54, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in Birchwood West is 67% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 46, and for property crime it is 70. 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 Birchwood West?
The most prevalent crime type in Birchwood West is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 88 (12% below 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 Birchwood West?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include West Ridge, Rogers Park, North Park and Edgewater. These areas are close to Birchwood West and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Birchwood West?
Birchwood West has a population of approximately 469. The median household income is $70,252. The median home value is $444,101. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Birchwood West crime compare to the national average?
Birchwood West's overall crime rate is 46% below the national average (index 54 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.