South Shore Neighborhood, Chicago
Crime Rate & Statistics
High crime area — significantly above-average crime rates
Safer than 9% of neighborhoods in Chicago
Safety at a Glance
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in Chicago
Is South Shore Safe?
No — this is a high-crime area. South Shore in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of D. The overall crime index is 169, which is 69% above the national average of 100. South Shore is safer than 9% of neighborhoods in Chicago.
Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), South Shore is 48% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 168, 68% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 97).
South Shore 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
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
168 | +68% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
157 | +57% | High | |
How South Shore Compares
Crime index by category: South Shore vs Chicago average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Shore 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 Shore Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Shore, Chicago?
South Shore in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime index is 169, which is 69% above the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in South Shore is 48% higher. South Shore is safer than 9% of neighborhoods in Chicago.
Is South Shore a safe neighborhood in Chicago?
South Shore has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Assault (index: 168), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 97).
How does South Shore compare to the rest of Chicago?
South Shore's overall crime index is 169, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in South Shore is 48% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 133, and for property crime it is 152. 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 Shore?
The most prevalent crime type in South Shore is Assault, with a crime index of 168 (68% 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 Shore?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Avalon Park and Calumet Heights. These areas are close to South Shore and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Shore?
South Shore has a population of approximately 49,013. The median household income is $45,977. The median home value is $198,438. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Shore crime compare to the national average?
South Shore's overall crime rate is 69% above the national average (index 169 vs 100). Within Chicago, it is safer than 9% 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.