Washington Heights Neighborhood, Chicago

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Safer than 49% of neighborhoods in Chicago

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low

Low 73 / 300 High

Violent Crime 56

44% below national avg

Property Crime 108

8% above national avg

City Ranking

49%

safer than other

Chicago neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Chicago

Is Washington Heights Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Washington Heights in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 73, which is 27% below the national average of 100. Washington Heights is safer than 49% of neighborhoods in Chicago.

Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), Washington Heights is 48% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Chicago as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 123, 23% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 26). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk

Larceny / Theft · Index 123 (23% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Rape · Index 26 (74% below avg)

Washington Heights Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Chicago city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Chicago	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	54	-46%	-66%	Low
Assault	96	-4%	-26%	Average
Robbery	46	-54%	-52%	Low
Rape	26	-74%	N/A	Low
Property Crime
Burglary	117	+17%	+11%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	123	+23%	-5%	Moderate
Vehicle Theft	85	-15%	-43%	Average

How Washington Heights Compares

Crime index by category: Washington Heights vs Chicago average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Washington Heights 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

See the crime score for a specific address

Washington Heights Demographics & Context

Population

26,389

Median Income

$62,004

Home Value

$200,421

Median Age

Pop. Density

9,223/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 11.9%

Graduate Degree 8.2%

Housing

65%

35%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 0.5%

Black 97.3%

Hispanic 1%

Asian 0.1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Beverly Index: 52

Roseland Index: 109

Auburn Gresham Index: 118

Chatham Index: 146

C-

Morgan Park Index: 100

B+

Pullman Index: 123

Burnside Index: 177

D-

West Pullman Index: 109

Washington Heights 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 Washington Heights, Chicago?

Washington Heights in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 73, which is 27% below the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in Washington Heights is 48% lower. Washington Heights is safer than 49% of neighborhoods in Chicago.

Is Washington Heights a safe neighborhood in Chicago?

Washington Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Chicago, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 123), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 26).

How does Washington Heights compare to the rest of Chicago?

Washington Heights's overall crime index is 73, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in Washington Heights is 48% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 56, and for property crime it is 108. 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 Washington Heights?

The most prevalent crime type in Washington Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 123 (23% 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 Washington Heights?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Beverly, Roseland, Auburn Gresham and Morgan Park. These areas are close to Washington Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Washington Heights?

Washington Heights has a population of approximately 26,389. The median household income is $62,004. The median home value is $200,421. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Washington Heights crime compare to the national average?

Washington Heights's overall crime rate is 27% below the national average (index 73 vs 100). Within Chicago, it is safer than 49% 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.