River West Neighborhood, Chicago
Last updated: June 11, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Summary: River West, Chicago Crime Rate (2026)
River West in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 124, which is 24% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: June 11, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Chicago
Is River West Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. River West in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 124, which is 24% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), River West is 3% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 148, 48% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 4). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
River West 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
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
4 | -96% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
How River West Compares
Crime index by category: River West vs Chicago average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
River West Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
River West Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in River West, Chicago?
River West in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 124, which is 24% above the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in River West is 3% higher.
Is River West a safe neighborhood in Chicago?
River West is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Chicago, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 148), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 4).
How does River West compare to the rest of Chicago?
River West's overall crime index is 124, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in River West is 3% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 89, and for property crime it is 125. 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 West?
The most prevalent crime type in River West is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 148 (48% 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 West?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include West Town, East Village, River North and West Loop. These areas are close to River West and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of River West?
River West has a population of approximately 2,300. The median household income is $151,238. The median home value is $496,328. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does River West crime compare to the national average?
River West's overall crime rate is 24% above the national average (index 124 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 June 2026.