North Center Neighborhood, Chicago
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 87% of neighborhoods in Chicago
Safety at a Glance
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in Chicago
Is North Center Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. North Center in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 113, which is 13% above the national average of 100. North Center is safer than 87% of neighborhoods in Chicago.
Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), North Center is 8% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 128, 28% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 26).
North Center 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
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
75 | -25% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
74 | -26% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
112 | +12% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
How North Center Compares
Crime index by category: North Center vs Chicago average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
North Center 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 Center Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in North Center, Chicago?
North Center in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 113, which is 13% above the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in North Center is 8% lower. North Center is safer than 87% of neighborhoods in Chicago.
Is North Center a safe neighborhood in Chicago?
North Center is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Chicago, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 128), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 26).
How does North Center compare to the rest of Chicago?
North Center's overall crime index is 113, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in North Center is 8% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 89, and for property crime it is 103. 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 Center?
The most prevalent crime type in North Center is Assault, with a crime index of 128 (28% 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 North Center?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lake View, Avondale, Wrigleyville and Bucktown. These areas are close to North Center and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of North Center?
North Center has a population of approximately 31,687. The median household income is $117,653. The median home value is $758,003. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does North Center crime compare to the national average?
North Center's overall crime rate is 13% above the national average (index 113 vs 100). Within Chicago, it is safer than 87% 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.