West Town Neighborhood, Chicago
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 47% of neighborhoods in Chicago
Safety at a Glance
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in Chicago
Is West Town Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. 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.
See the crime score for a specific address
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 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Chicago, earning a crime grade of B+. 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 prevalent crime type in West Town is Murder, with a crime index of 145 (45% 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 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 April 2026.