Little Italy / University Village Neighborhood, Chicago

Crime Rate & Statistics

C-

Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average

Safer than 16% of neighborhoods in Chicago

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 153 / 300 High
Violent Crime 160
60% above national avg
Property Crime 167
67% above national avg
City Ranking
16%
safer than other
Chicago neighborhoods

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in Chicago

Is Little Italy / University Village Safe?

Not really — crime is above the national average. Little Italy / University Village in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 153, which is 53% above the national average of 100. Little Italy / University Village is safer than 16% of neighborhoods in Chicago.

Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), Little Italy / University Village is 32% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 183, 83% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 128).

Highest Risk
Vehicle Theft · Index 183 (83% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 128 (28% above avg)

Little Italy / University Village 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
179 +79% High
Assault
157 +57% High
Robbery
174 +74% High
Rape
128 +28% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
137 +37% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
181 +81% High
Vehicle Theft
183 +83% High

How Little Italy / University Village Compares

Crime index by category: Little Italy / University Village vs Chicago average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Little Italy / University Village Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

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Little Italy / University Village Demographics & Context

Population
22,139
Median Income
$63,295
Home Value
$383,484
Median Age
31
Pop. Density
8,674/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 28.5%
Graduate Degree 27.3%

Housing

29%
71%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 35.4%
Black 33.3%
Hispanic 15.6%
Asian 20.4%

Nearby Neighborhoods

United Center Index: 181
D
Lower West Side / Pilsen Index: 130
B
West Loop Index: 164
B
South Loop / Near South Side Index: 153
C+
Bridgeport Index: 116
B
East Village Index: 132
B+
Loop Index: 174
B-
West Town Index: 131
B+
Little Italy / University Village Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Chicago Crime Statistics
View all Chicago neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Little Italy / University Village, Chicago?

Little Italy / University Village in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 153, which is 53% above the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in Little Italy / University Village is 32% higher. Little Italy / University Village is safer than 16% of neighborhoods in Chicago.

Is Little Italy / University Village a safe neighborhood in Chicago?

Little Italy / University Village has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 183), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 128).

How does Little Italy / University Village compare to the rest of Chicago?

Little Italy / University Village's overall crime index is 153, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in Little Italy / University Village is 32% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 160, and for property crime it is 167. 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 Little Italy / University Village?

The most prevalent crime type in Little Italy / University Village is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 183 (83% 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 Little Italy / University Village?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lower West Side / Pilsen, West Loop, Bridgeport and East Village. These areas are close to Little Italy / University Village and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Little Italy / University Village?

Little Italy / University Village has a population of approximately 22,139. The median household income is $63,295. The median home value is $383,484. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Little Italy / University Village crime compare to the national average?

Little Italy / University Village's overall crime rate is 53% above the national average (index 153 vs 100). Within Chicago, it is safer than 16% of neighborhoods. 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.