Whether you call it the Windy City, the City of Big Shoulders, or just “Chi-Town,” Illinois’ largest city is known for its deep-dish pizza, its popular sports teams, and, yes, for one of the highest crime rates in the country. Recent crime statistics say that for every 100,000 people, there are 3,926 crimes in Chicago. Violent crime is a big reason why Chicago is getting a bad rep. In this article, you get all the information you need to know about Chicago’s crime rates.
How dangerous is Chicago?
Statistics say that the crime rate in Chicago in 2020 was 3,926 crimes per 100,000 people. That’s 67% more than the national average and a lot more than Illinois’s average rate of 1,985 crimes per 100,000 people. Part of the reason why Chicago’s crime rates are talked about so much is that violent crimes like murder, sexual assault, and robberies are a bigger part of the city’s high crime rate than property crimes like burglary, arson, or car theft.
In Chicago, there is a 1 in 103 chance that you will be hurt by a violent crime. That’s twice as likely as the average in Illinois, but it’s important to remember that just because you live in Chicago doesn’t mean you’re in more danger. Your risk of violence can be affected by things like your social class, your neighborhood, and the people you know.
High-crime neighborhoods often have vacant houses that companies like We Buy Houses Chicago buys for cash in order to repair and improve the standard of living in these communities. It’s a slow process but it certainly helps the area when there are less abandonment homes.
You have a 1 in 39 chance of being a victim of a property crime, in Chicago. Even though Chicago’s rate of property crime is only 52% higher than the national average (compared to 143%), property crimes are more common everywhere.
Car Theft
In Chicago, there is a 1 in 273 chance that your car will be stolen. This type of property crime happens a lot in Chicago, but not as much as it does in other cities. Richmond, California, is at the top of the list of cities with a lot of car thefts. Albuquerque and Oakland are close behind. Chicago is not one of the top 20 cities. That’s good news for the price you pay for car insurance.
Also Read: All you need to know about overnight parking in Chicago
Chicago’s crime rates breakdown
The high crime rates in Chicago are caused by both political corruption and widespread poverty. But even though most people think of Chicago as a dangerous city with a lot of crime, it’s actually safer than 9 percent of US cities, including some big ones.
Chicago didn’t make NeighborhoodScout’s list of the 100 most dangerous cities in 2022, and the New York Times says that its murder rate is only seventh in the country, behind places like St. Louis, New Orleans, and Baltimore.
Source: Gifer
The Chicago Police Department’s data are used in the table below to show the rates of violent and property crimes in Chicago, such as murder, auto theft, and aggravated battery.
Crime | 2020 total |
Murder | 696 |
Sexual assault | 1,432 |
Aggravated battery | 6,883 |
Robbery | 5,964 |
Burglary | 7,917 |
Theft | 9,424 |
Motor vehicle theft | 8,495 |
Most common crimes in Chicago
Chicago’s crime rates: Property crimes
Thefts of cars are at the top of this list. When you park your car outside, keep an eye on it, always lock it, and never leave anything valuable inside. Because there are so many thefts, the police have set up a special task force to deal with this.
The second most common property crime in Chicago is theft, which happens more than 566 times per 100,000 people every year on average. Keep your things safe at all times, and never leave cash or valuables outside unattended. When people who live in the most dangerous areas install a home security system, the highest crime rates can be lowered.
Also Read: Chicago Catalytic Converters Laws: What you should know
Chicago’s crime rates: Violent crimes
The rate of crime in Chicago is higher than in other nearby cities. It is also four times as high as the average murder rate for the whole country.
- Every year, about 21 people out of every 100,000 are shot. Every year, 21 people are killed per 100,000 people. So, be careful at night and always pay attention to what’s going on around you.
- Every year, there are an average of 259 thefts for every 100,000 people. It’s best to only carry enough cash for the day or maybe one or two days more, if necessary. Check your pockets every time you leave a place or go out. Lastly, be careful not to show your money when it’s not necessary.
- Every year, there are 566 assaults for every 100,000 people. So it’s always a good idea to take a taxi at night instead of walking around the streets alone.
- Every year, 67 rapes happen for every 100,000 people. So you shouldn’t walk around by yourself. After dark, always try to take a taxi and never walk alone on the streets.
There are also a lot of crimes against property, with 4,122 each year. So, if you go out at night, you should be careful and always be aware of your surroundings. Also, when you travel, keep a close eye on your things at all times. Keep your things in plain sight to keep them safe. When you go to Chicago, put your valuables in a locker at the hotel or in a safety deposit box at a bank.
Source: Gifer
What are the safest neighborhoods in Chicago?
So far, we’ve looked at averages for the whole city. But Chicago is a big, sprawling city with many different neighborhoods. When you look at Chicago neighborhoods, there are some places that stand out as being the safest.
Neighborhood | Crime rate | Households below poverty level | Median home price | Hardship index |
Edison Park | 61% below national average | 3.3% | $340,000 | 8 |
Forest Glen | 52% below national average | 7.5% | $532,000 | 11 |
Norwood Park | 53% below national average | 5.4% | $322,500 | 21 |
Lake View | 1% above national average | 11.4% | $410,00 | 5 |
Lincoln Park | 28% above national average | 12.3% | $687,500 | 2 |
What are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago?
On the other end of the scale are Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods, with the highest crime rates. Not surprisingly, these neighborhoods are also some of the poorest in Chicago. They struggle with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and crowded housing.
Neighborhood | Crime rate | Households below poverty level | Median home price | Hardship index |
West Garfield Park | 462% above national average | 41.7% | $135,000 | 92 |
East Garfield Park | 308% above national average | 42.4% | $175,000 | 83 |
Englewood | 276% above national average | 46.6% | $60,000 | 94 |
Fuller Park | 148% above national average | 51.2% | $64,000 | 97 |
West Pullman | 137% above national average | 25.9% | $135,000 | 62 |
A seasoned insurance expert and car enthusiast passionate about car care, Vanessa Norris brings a sea of knowledge to the automotive world. Her blogs are a trusted resource for drivers seeking expert tips and techniques on keeping their vehicles looking and running their best. When not writing or detailing cars, Vanessa Norris enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new roads, and discovering the latest automotive trends.