Old Town Neighborhood, Chicago
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Chicago
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Chicago
Is Old Town Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Old Town in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average of 100. Old Town is safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Chicago.
Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), Old Town is 20% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 154, 54% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 51).
Old Town 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
|
154 | +54% | High | |
|
Assault
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
117 | +17% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
51 | -49% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
151 | +51% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
151 | +51% | High | |
How Old Town Compares
Crime index by category: Old Town vs Chicago average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Old Town Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Old Town Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Old Town, Chicago?
Old Town in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in Old Town is 20% higher. Old Town is safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Chicago.
Is Old Town a safe neighborhood in Chicago?
Old Town is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Chicago, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Murder (index: 154), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 51).
How does Old Town compare to the rest of Chicago?
Old Town's overall crime index is 141, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in Old Town is 20% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 119, 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 Old Town?
The most prevalent crime type in Old Town is Murder, with a crime index of 154 (54% 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 Old Town?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Gold Coast, River North, Lincoln Park and West Town. These areas are close to Old Town and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Old Town?
Old Town has a population of approximately 18,919. The median household income is $127,145. The median home value is $722,119. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Old Town crime compare to the national average?
Old Town's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average (index 141 vs 100). Within Chicago, it is safer than 50% 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.