River North Neighborhood, Chicago

Crime Rate & Statistics

B

Good safety — crime rates are below the national average

Safer than 37% of neighborhoods in Chicago

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 176 / 300 High
Violent Crime 142
42% above national avg
Property Crime 169
69% above national avg
City Ranking
37%
safer than other
Chicago neighborhoods

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in Chicago

Is River North Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. River North in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 176, which is 76% above the national average of 100. River North is safer than 37% of neighborhoods in Chicago.

Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), River North is 55% 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: 179, 79% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 58). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk
Murder · Index 179 (79% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 58 (42% below avg)

River North 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
179 +79% High
Assault
179 +79% High
Robbery
153 +53% High
Rape
58 -42% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
161 +61% High
Larceny / Theft
176 +76% High
Vehicle Theft
171 +71% High

How River North Compares

Crime index by category: River North vs Chicago average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

River North 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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River North Demographics & Context

Population
34,832
Median Income
$95,130
Home Value
$495,151
Median Age
34
Pop. Density
23,232/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 42.1%
Graduate Degree 34.5%

Housing

34%
66%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 66.9%
Black 13.6%
Hispanic 6.3%
Asian 14.2%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Gold Coast Index: 141
A
Old Town Index: 141
B+
Streeterville Index: 168
B
West Town Index: 131
B+
Loop Index: 174
B-
West Loop Index: 164
B
Lincoln Park Index: 125
A
East Village Index: 132
B+
River North 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 River North, Chicago?

River North in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 176, which is 76% above the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in River North is 55% higher. River North is safer than 37% of neighborhoods in Chicago.

Is River North a safe neighborhood in Chicago?

River North is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Chicago, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Murder (index: 179), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 58).

How does River North compare to the rest of Chicago?

River North's overall crime index is 176, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in River North is 55% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 142, and for property crime it is 169. 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 River North?

The most prevalent crime type in River North is Murder, with a crime index of 179 (79% 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 River North?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Gold Coast, Old Town, Streeterville and West Town. These areas are close to River North and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of River North?

River North has a population of approximately 34,832. The median household income is $95,130. The median home value is $495,151. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does River North crime compare to the national average?

River North's overall crime rate is 76% above the national average (index 176 vs 100). Within Chicago, it is safer than 37% 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.