South Chicago Heights, IL Crime Rate & Safety
Higher crime than 81% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is South Chicago Heights Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average
Neighborhood choice matters significantly. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
South Chicago Heights has a crime rate that is 26% above the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 276.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 276
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
5% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 46
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
20% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
South Chicago Heights Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
129 | +29% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
106 | +6% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
57 | -43% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
141 | +41% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
102 | +2% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
117 | +17% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
South Chicago Heights Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Chicago Heights Demographics & Context
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Chicago Heights, IL?
South Chicago Heights, IL has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 26% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 276 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 46 chance for property crime. South Chicago Heights has higher crime than 81% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is South Chicago Heights, IL safe to live in?
South Chicago Heights has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting South Chicago Heights is strongly recommended.
What is the violent crime rate in South Chicago Heights?
The estimated violent crime rate in South Chicago Heights is 362.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 5% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 276 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.4 per 100K (29% above average); aggravated assault at 283.8 per 100K (6% above average); robbery at 42.1 per 100K (43% below average).
What is the property crime rate in South Chicago Heights?
The estimated property crime rate in South Chicago Heights is 2,189.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 20% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 46 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 381.4 per 100K (41% above average); larceny/theft at 1,436.9 per 100K (2% above average); vehicle theft at 371.6 per 100K (17% above average).
How does South Chicago Heights crime compare to the national average?
South Chicago Heights's overall crime rate is 26% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is burglary (41% above average), while robbery is 43% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, South Chicago Heights has higher crime than 81% of them.
Is South Chicago Heights safe to visit?
Visitors to South Chicago Heights should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 20% 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.
How does South Chicago Heights crime compare to the rest of Illinois?
Illinois as a whole has crime that is 3% above the national average. South Chicago Heights's crime rate is 26% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Illinois city.
What type of crime is most common in South Chicago Heights?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in South Chicago Heights, with an estimated rate of 1,436.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 2% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,190 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (363 per 100K) in South Chicago Heights, which is consistent with national trends.