West Town Neighborhood, Chicago
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 47% of neighborhoods in Chicago
Summary: West Town, Chicago Crime Rate (2026)
West Town, Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is 31% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: November 1, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Chicago
Is West Town Safe?
Mixed — the grade is relative to other neighborhoods, but crime is above the national average. West Town in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 131, which is 31% above the national average of 100. West Town is safer than 47% of neighborhoods in Chicago.
Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), West Town is 10% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 145, 45% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 47).
West Town 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
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
139 | +39% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
47 | -53% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
107 | +7% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
How West Town Compares
Crime index by category: West Town vs Chicago average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
West Town Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
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West Town Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West Town, Chicago?
West Town in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 131, which is 31% above the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in West Town is 10% higher. West Town is safer than 47% of neighborhoods in Chicago.
Is West Town a safe neighborhood in Chicago?
West Town has a mixed safety picture with a crime grade of B+, and an overall crime index 131 (31% above the national average). Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 145), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 47).
How does West Town compare to the rest of Chicago?
West Town's overall crime index is 131, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in West Town is 10% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 112, and for property crime it is 132. 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 West Town?
The most common crime type in West Town is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 145 (45% above the national average). Homicide is the most elevated type versus the national average (index 145), not the most frequent crime. Overall, property crime is more common than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near West Town?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include East Village, River North, Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village. These areas are close to West Town and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of West Town?
West Town has a population of approximately 31,389. The median household income is $90,915. The median home value is $563,426. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does West Town crime compare to the national average?
West Town's overall crime rate is 31% above the national average (index 131 vs 100). Within Chicago, it is safer than 47% 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 November 2026.