Washington Square Neighborhood, Chicago
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Chicago
Is Washington Square Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Washington Square in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 187, which is 87% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), Washington Square is 66% 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: 188, 88% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 99).
Washington Square 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
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Assault
|
182 | +82% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
115 | +15% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
171 | +71% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
182 | +82% | High | |
How Washington Square Compares
Crime index by category: Washington Square vs Chicago average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Washington Square Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Washington Square Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Washington Square, Chicago?
Washington Square in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 187, which is 87% above the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in Washington Square is 66% higher.
Is Washington Square a safe neighborhood in Chicago?
Washington Square is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Chicago, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 188), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 99).
How does Washington Square compare to the rest of Chicago?
Washington Square's overall crime index is 187, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in Washington Square is 66% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 164, and for property crime it is 147. 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 Square?
The most prevalent crime type in Washington Square is Murder, with a crime index of 188 (88% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Washington Square?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include West Loop, West Town, East Village and River North. These areas are close to Washington Square and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Washington Square?
Washington Square has a population of approximately 5. The median household income is $147,973. The median home value is $506,864. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Washington Square crime compare to the national average?
Washington Square's overall crime rate is 87% above the national average (index 187 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 April 2026.