Woodlawn Neighborhood, Chicago

Crime Rate & Statistics

D

High crime area — significantly above-average crime rates

Safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Chicago

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 173 / 300 High
Violent Crime 137
37% above national avg
Property Crime 152
52% above national avg
City Ranking
7%
safer than other
Chicago neighborhoods

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in Chicago

Is Woodlawn Safe?

No — this is a high-crime area. Woodlawn in Chicago, IL has a safety grade of D. The overall crime index is 173, which is 73% above the national average of 100. Woodlawn is safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Chicago.

Compared to the Chicago average (crime index 121), Woodlawn is 52% 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: 170, 70% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 87).

Highest Risk
Assault · Index 170 (70% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Robbery · Index 87 (13% below avg)

Woodlawn 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
157 +57% High
Assault
170 +70% High
Robbery
87 -13% Average
Rape
132 +32% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
138 +38% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
154 +54% High
Vehicle Theft
164 +64% High

How Woodlawn Compares

Crime index by category: Woodlawn vs Chicago average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Woodlawn 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

Woodlawn Demographics & Context

Population
22,620
Median Income
$42,134
Home Value
$220,244
Median Age
34
Pop. Density
14,655/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 15.5%
Graduate Degree 11.5%

Housing

22%
78%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 7.6%
Black 85.3%
Hispanic 2.4%
Asian 3.3%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Woodlawn, Chicago?

Woodlawn in Chicago, IL has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime index is 173, which is 73% above the national average. Compared to the Chicago average, crime in Woodlawn is 52% higher. Woodlawn is safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Chicago.

Is Woodlawn a safe neighborhood in Chicago?

Woodlawn has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Assault (index: 170), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 87).

How does Woodlawn compare to the rest of Chicago?

Woodlawn's overall crime index is 173, compared to the Chicago average of 121. This means crime in Woodlawn is 52% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 137, 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 Woodlawn?

The most prevalent crime type in Woodlawn is Assault, with a crime index of 170 (70% 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 Woodlawn?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Avalon Park. These areas are close to Woodlawn and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Woodlawn?

Woodlawn has a population of approximately 22,620. The median household income is $42,134. The median home value is $220,244. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Woodlawn crime compare to the national average?

Woodlawn's overall crime rate is 73% above the national average (index 173 vs 100). Within Chicago, it is safer than 7% 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.