South Chicago Neighborhood, Chicago
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safer than 22% of neighborhoods in Chicago
Safety at a Glance
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in Chicago
Is South Chicago Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. South Chicago in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average of 100. South Chicago is safer than 22% of neighborhoods in Chicago.
Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), South Chicago is 20% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 147, 47% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 74). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
South Chicago 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
|
104 | +4% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
74 | -26% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
129 | +29% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
How South Chicago Compares
Crime index by category: South Chicago vs Chicago average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Chicago Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Chicago Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Chicago, Chicago?
South Chicago in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in South Chicago is 20% higher. South Chicago is safer than 22% of neighborhoods in Chicago.
Is South Chicago a safe neighborhood in Chicago?
South Chicago has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Assault (index: 147), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 74).
How does South Chicago compare to the rest of Chicago?
South Chicago's overall crime index is 141, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in South Chicago is 20% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 100, and for property crime it is 128. 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 South Chicago?
The most prevalent crime type in South Chicago is Assault, with a crime index of 147 (47% 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 South Chicago?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Calumet Heights, Avalon Park, East Side and South Deering. These areas are close to South Chicago and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Chicago?
South Chicago has a population of approximately 30,442. The median household income is $46,866. The median home value is $169,162. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Chicago crime compare to the national average?
South Chicago's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average (index 141 vs 100). Within Chicago, it is safer than 22% 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.