Old Town Neighborhood, Chicago

Last updated: November 5, 2026

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Chicago

Summary: Old Town, Chicago Crime Rate (2026)

Old Town, Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is 41% above the national average.

Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: November 5, 2026.

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 141 / 300 High
Violent Crime 119
19% above national avg
Property Crime 139
39% above national avg
City Ranking
50%
safer than other
Chicago neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Chicago

Is Old Town Safe?

Mixed — the grade is relative to other neighborhoods, but crime is above the national average. 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).

Highest Risk
Murder · Index 154 (54% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 51 (49% below avg)

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.

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

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Old Town Demographics & Context

Population
18,919
Median Income
$127,145
Home Value
$722,119
Median Age
33
Pop. Density
28,788/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 43.5%
Graduate Degree 36.2%

Housing

42%
58%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 70.7%
Black 19.1%
Hispanic 4.3%
Asian 6.2%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Gold Coast Index: 141
A
River North Index: 176
B
Lincoln Park Index: 125
A
West Town Index: 131
B+
Streeterville Index: 168
B
East Village Index: 132
B+
Wicker Park Index: 146
B+
West Loop Index: 164
B
Old Town 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 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 has a mixed safety picture with a crime grade of B+, and an overall crime index 141 (41% above the national average). Residents should take standard precautions. 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 common crime type in Old Town is Assault, with a crime index of 153 (53% above the national average). Homicide is the most elevated type versus the national average (index 154), not the most frequent crime. Overall, property crime is more common 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 November 2026.