California Avenue Neighborhood, Chicago
Last updated: June 13, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Summary: California Avenue, Chicago Crime Rate (2026)
California Avenue in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 18, which is 82% below the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: June 13, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Chicago
Is California Avenue Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. California Avenue in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 18, which is 82% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), California Avenue is 103% 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, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 71, 29% below average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 7).
California Avenue 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
|
13 | -87% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
66 | -34% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
33 | -67% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
7 | -93% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
20 | -80% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
How California Avenue Compares
Crime index by category: California Avenue vs Chicago average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
California Avenue Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
California Avenue Demographics & Context
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Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in California Avenue, Chicago?
California Avenue in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 18, which is 82% below the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in California Avenue is 103% lower.
Is California Avenue a safe neighborhood in Chicago?
California Avenue is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Chicago, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 71), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 7).
How does California Avenue compare to the rest of Chicago?
California Avenue's overall crime index is 18, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in California Avenue is 103% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 30, and for property crime it is 50. 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 California Avenue?
The most prevalent crime type in California Avenue is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 71 (29% 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 California Avenue?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include West Ridge, Rogers Park, North Park and Lincoln Square. These areas are close to California Avenue and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of California Avenue?
California Avenue has a population of approximately 311. The median household income is $109,868. The median home value is $505,448. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does California Avenue crime compare to the national average?
California Avenue's overall crime rate is 82% below the national average (index 18 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 June 2026.