Chicago Heights, IL Crime Rate & Safety

Chicago Heights, IL has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 98% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 119 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 23 chance for property crime. Chicago Heights has higher crime than 95% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Chicago Heights has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Chicago Heights is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Chicago Heights is 842.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 121% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 119 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 9.3 per 100K (86% above average); aggravated assault at 558.3 per 100K (108% above average); robbery at 176.4 per 100K (139% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Chicago Heights is 4,441.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 142% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 23 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 495.5 per 100K (84% above average); larceny/theft at 3,204.2 per 100K (129% above average); vehicle theft at 741.7 per 100K (133% above average).

Chicago Heights's overall crime rate is 98% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (194% above average), while burglary is 84% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Chicago Heights has higher crime than 95% of them.

Visitors to Chicago Heights should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 142% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.

Illinois as a whole has crime that is 3% above the national average. Chicago Heights's crime rate is 98% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Illinois city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Chicago Heights, with an estimated rate of 3,204.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 129% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (4,441 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (843 per 100K) in Chicago Heights, which is consistent with national trends.