Lower West Side / Pilsen Neighborhood, Chicago

Crime Rate & Statistics

Good safety — crime rates are below the national average

Safer than 38% of neighborhoods in Chicago

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate

Low 130 / 300 High

Violent Crime 116

16% above national avg

Property Crime 139

39% above national avg

City Ranking

38%

safer than other

Chicago neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Chicago

Is Lower West Side / Pilsen Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Lower West Side / Pilsen in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 130, which is 30% above the national average of 100. Lower West Side / Pilsen is safer than 38% of neighborhoods in Chicago.

Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), Lower West Side / Pilsen is 9% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 155, 55% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 61). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk

Larceny / Theft · Index 155 (55% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Rape · Index 61 (39% below avg)

Lower West Side / Pilsen Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Chicago city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Chicago	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	143	+43%	+23%	Moderate
Assault	109	+9%	-13%	Moderate
Robbery	149	+49%	+51%	Moderate
Rape	61	-39%	N/A	Low
Property Crime
Burglary	109	+9%	+3%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	155	+55%	+27%	High
Vehicle Theft	152	+52%	+24%	High

How Lower West Side / Pilsen Compares

Crime index by category: Lower West Side / Pilsen vs Chicago average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Lower West Side / Pilsen 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

See the crime score for a specific address

Lower West Side / Pilsen Demographics & Context

Population

35,392

Median Income

$41,887

Home Value

$373,294

Median Age

Pop. Density

12,787/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 14.7%

Graduate Degree 7.2%

Housing

22%

78%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 44.1%

Black 4.4%

Hispanic 82.9%

Asian 2%

Nearby Neighborhoods

McKinley Park Index: 83

A-

Little Italy / University Village Index: 153

C-

Bridgeport Index: 116

Little Village Index: 86

A-

Armour Square Index: 157

D+

North Lawndale Index: 164

C-

United Center Index: 181

South Loop / Near South Side Index: 153

C+

Lower West Side / Pilsen 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 Lower West Side / Pilsen, Chicago?

Lower West Side / Pilsen in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 130, which is 30% above the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in Lower West Side / Pilsen is 9% higher. Lower West Side / Pilsen is safer than 38% of neighborhoods in Chicago.

Is Lower West Side / Pilsen a safe neighborhood in Chicago?

Lower West Side / Pilsen is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Chicago, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 155), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 61).

How does Lower West Side / Pilsen compare to the rest of Chicago?

Lower West Side / Pilsen's overall crime index is 130, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in Lower West Side / Pilsen is 9% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 116, and for property crime it is 139. 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 Lower West Side / Pilsen?

The most prevalent crime type in Lower West Side / Pilsen is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 155 (55% 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 Lower West Side / Pilsen?

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

What are the demographics of Lower West Side / Pilsen?

Lower West Side / Pilsen has a population of approximately 35,392. The median household income is $41,887. The median home value is $373,294. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Lower West Side / Pilsen crime compare to the national average?

Lower West Side / Pilsen's overall crime rate is 30% above the national average (index 130 vs 100). Within Chicago, it is safer than 38% 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.