North Birchwood Neighborhood, Chicago
Crime Rate & Statistics
High crime area — exercise caution, especially at night
Safety at a Glance
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in Chicago
Is North Birchwood Safe?
No — this is a high-crime area. North Birchwood in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of D-. The overall crime index is 196, which is 96% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), North Birchwood is 75% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 197, 97% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 160).
North Birchwood 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
|
197 | +97% | High | |
|
Assault
|
194 | +94% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
195 | +95% | High | |
|
Rape
|
194 | +94% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
194 | +94% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
197 | +97% | High | |
How North Birchwood Compares
Crime index by category: North Birchwood vs Chicago average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
North Birchwood Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
North Birchwood Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in North Birchwood, Chicago?
North Birchwood in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 196, which is 96% above the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in North Birchwood is 75% higher.
Is North Birchwood a safe neighborhood in Chicago?
North Birchwood has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Murder (index: 197), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 160).
How does North Birchwood compare to the rest of Chicago?
North Birchwood's overall crime index is 196, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in North Birchwood is 75% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 195, and for property crime it is 184. 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 North Birchwood?
The most prevalent crime type in North Birchwood is Murder, with a crime index of 197 (97% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near North Birchwood?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Rogers Park, West Ridge, Edgewater and Andersonville. These areas are close to North Birchwood and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of North Birchwood?
North Birchwood has a population of approximately 134. The median household income is $21,630. The median home value is $145,541. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does North Birchwood crime compare to the national average?
North Birchwood's overall crime rate is 96% above the national average (index 196 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.