Is Chicago really the most dangerous city in America? Or is it just a myth?
While some neighborhoods may struggle with crime, the city’s overall crime rate is lower than what some might think!
Whether you’re planning a visit or considering relocating for business opportunities, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve done the research for you, pulling the latest statistics from reliable sources like the Chicago Police Department, FBI reports, legal experts, and insights from residents. We’ve compiled a list of the safest neighborhoods and practical tips, so you can feel confident that Chicago is indeed a safe city!
Ready to discover the safest parts of Chicago?
Here are the statistics:
Chicago crime statistics breakdown.
Homicides.
Homicides have decreased in 2024 as compared to 2023. The city recorded 572 homicides in 2024, a decrease from 615 in 2023, marking the lowest number since 2019.
Shooting incidents and shooting victims also declined, with reductions of 7% and 4% respectively, compared to the previous year.
Violent crimes.
Chicago reported 28,443 violent crimes in 2024, with aggravated assaults reaching a 20-year high.
Property crimes.
Property crimes, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, also contribute significantly to the city’s crime statistics
Crime statistics for Chicago 2023 vs 2024.
City of Chicago’s Open Data Portal,
Crime statistics show a downward trend in shootings and shooting victims in 2024 compared to 2023, with a 2% drop in December incidents and an 11% decline year-to-date. While murders in December slightly increased from 37 to 40, overall homicides have decreased by nearly 8% for the year.
This suggests ongoing efforts in crime prevention may be having an impact, though challenges remain. Understanding these trends can help drive more targeted interventions to sustain progress.
Crime map of Chicago.
The darker-shaded regions on the map highlight high-crime or more dangerous areas, while the lighter-shaded sections represent safer, lower-crime zones.
Northern areas appear to be notably peaceful, making them an ideal choice for families seeking a secure and comfortable environment to settle down, especially those with young children.
Crime breakdown by region.
Assessing the safety and livability of Chicago’s neighborhoods isn’t as simple as looking at surface-level stereotypes. It requires a deeper dive into data—crime statistics, community dynamics, and overall living conditions. Here’s the reality behind West Chicago and South Chicago, based on hard facts and insights.
West Chicago.
When you compare the numbers, West Chicago is far from what most would consider a “ghetto.” West Chicago is downright safe compared to many areas across the U.S. Let’s break it down:
- Violent crime rate. Just 1.15 incidents per 1,000 residents. That’s significantly lower than the national average of 4 per 1,000.
- Property crime rate. Standing at 6.45 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is well below the national median.
These numbers suggest that, statistically, West Chicago is a relatively low-risk area for violent or property crimes.
West Chicago has the kinds of community amenities, schools, and quality of life that many people look for in a home. So, is West Chicago dangerous? Absolutely not—at least not in the way many people might assume.
South Chicago.
Now, let’s talk about South Chicago, which tells a very different story. While it’s a part of the city that’s rich in history and culture, its crime rates are far higher than what we see in West Chicago. Here’s a breakdown:
- Overall crime rate. South Chicago sees about 86.97 incidents per 1,000 residents. That’s a lot higher than most places across the U.S.
- Violent crime rate. The rate is around 14.75 per 1,000 residents—well above the national average.
Uptown Chicago.
Uptown, Chicago, is a neighborhood rich in cultural diversity and community spirit, but safety perceptions vary.
According to a survey on Niche.com, 52% of respondents feel “pretty safe”, acknowledging some concerns but generally feeling secure, while 33% consider it “somewhat safe” with noticeable safety issues.
Crime statistics show that Uptown’s overall crime rate is 2% lower than the national average, with violent crime 10% lower than the national average. The likelihood of becoming a crime victim in Uptown is 1 in 44, which is relatively moderate.
However, safety is subjective—some residents emphasize the importance of staying vigilant, especially at night. While the data suggests Uptown is safer than many expect, personal awareness and smart precautions remain key.
Is Chicago safe for tourists?
Popular tourist destinations such as The Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, and the Gold Coast are well-patrolled and have lower crime rates compared to other parts of the city.
Chicago’s safety depends on where you are, what time it is, and how aware you stay.
Some locals, like Carlos, jog at night without a second thought. Others, like Margaret, avoid walking alone after dark. Public transit? Mostly fine—until you catch the wrong vibe at an empty station, says Dawn Renee. But here’s the twist: it’s not all bad. James lost his wallet, and a random guy handed it back—everything still inside.
Bottom line? Chicago isn’t just crime stats or scary headlines. It’s a city of extremes—good, bad, and everything in between. Stay smart, stay aware, and you’ll be fine.
Is Chicago safe for residents?
When it comes to crime in Chicago, there’s a vast difference between what’s reported in the media and the lived experience of those who actually live and work here day in and day out.
If you’ve heard warnings from people telling you to stay away, ask yourself: Where are they located? Are they speaking from recent experience or just repeating what they’ve heard?
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and the safety can vary dramatically depending on where you are. Just because one area faces challenges doesn’t mean the entire city is unsafe.
If you’re planning to visit downtown or the well-known tourist areas, you’re in some of the safest parts of the city. People who move away because of crime often aren’t located in those vibrant, bustling areas that attract millions of tourists each year.
In fact, when comparing crime rates, many cities like Memphis, New Orleans, and Kansas City have even higher crime rates than Chicago. So if you’ve recently been to any of those places, keep that in mind before making assumptions about the Windy City.
Safest neighborhood of Chicago.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, speaking at the City Club of Chicago, highlighted crime reductions in homicides, shootings, carjackings, robberies, and sexual assaults compared to last year.
He stressed that progress is not random, citing improvements in the Austin neighborhood, where many young people participated in the city’s summer jobs program.
The neighborhood scout presents their top 5 safest neighborhoods list:
- Museum Campus
- University of Chicago
- Forest Glen West
- W Pensacola Ave / N Campbell Ave
- Forest Glen South
Safest suburb of Chicago.
If you’re visiting popular spots like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Gold Coast, Wicker Park or Old Town, you’re not going to feel unsafe.
Walking around these neighborhoods at night? You’ll still feel secure. These areas are well-lit, well-traveled, and generally safe.
According to a report from Walk Score, Chicago boasts a Walk Score of 77, ranking it as the fourth most walkable large city in the U.S. Additionally, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning provides a Walk Score map that highlights the city’s safest, walkable areas—perfect for enjoying a stroll, even at night!
Most dangerous neighborhoods of Chicago.
Chicago, much like other major cities nationwide, faces its own set of challenges, transcending regional political leanings. Additionally, Area Vibes highlights the top four most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago:
Peruna Wenderson explores Chicago’s neighborhoods, noting that while downtown Chicago is the safest, the city’s southern and western areas experience significantly higher crime rates.
Due to crime gangs, homicides and assault, the neighborhoods surrounding Washington Park have a crime rate that is 701% higher than average, while East Garfield Park sees crime levels 257% above the city’s norm.
But ,are you going to witness violent crime on every street corner? Absolutely not. You won’t see people pulling out guns and engaging in shootouts as portrayed in some media outlets.
Now, if you were to wander down a dark alley in the middle of the night, that’s a different story. It’s not unique to Chicago—most people would feel uneasy in that situation, no matter the city.
What is the government doing to make Chicago safer?
Chicago has become safer in 2024 due to strategic policing, community collaboration, and targeted crime reduction initiatives.
Homicides dropped 8%, shootings decreased 7%, and overall robberies declined 17%. Specialized task forces helped cut firearm-related robberies by 33% and carjackings by 26%.
The city recovered over 12,000 illegal guns and launched the Crime Gun Intelligence Center to trace firearms used in crimes more efficiently.
Additionally, investments in public safety, including new helicopters and enhanced community engagement programs, have strengthened crime prevention efforts. These collective measures have laid the foundation for sustained improvements in public safety across Chicago.
What do the locals say?
When people think about safety in a city like Chicago, they often ask, “Is downtown safe at night?” or “Which neighborhoods should I avoid after dark?” It’s a common concern for residents, visitors, and anyone looking to explore the city.
A Chicago local shares his personal experience of feeling safe and comfortable in the neighborhood. He walks regularly in the evening without concerns for safety, and his wife feels the same walking home from the community garden at twilight.
While certain areas, like Ronan Park, can feel a bit underlit or deserted at night, they don’t pose real safety risks—just things that could make someone feel uneasy.
Daniel Epps, a seasoned Chicago resident, assures that the city’s tourist areas are as safe as those in any other large city. These include downtown, the Magnificent Mile, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, South Loop, Near West Side, Wrigleyville, River North, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Hyde Park, Bridgeport, and Pilsen.
This encompasses approximately 99% of the neighborhoods where tourists typically visit. There are a few unsafe outlying neighborhoods, remote from tourist attractions, which represent about 10 of the city’s 77 neighborhoods.
These areas account for roughly 90% of the violent crime in Chicago and contribute to 90% of the negative publicity surrounding the city. Most victims in these areas are gang members and drug dealers.
While crime still presents challenges in parts of the city, many Chicagoans emphasize that understanding the local landscape and staying informed can help you enjoy all that the city has to offer.
Is Chicago a safe bet for businesses?
Many businesses continue to thrive in Chicago, particularly in downtown and well-patrolled areas.
Large corporations, tech startups, and financial institutions maintain headquarters in the city, leveraging its strong economy, talent pool, and infrastructure.
However, businesses in high-crime areas often face security challenges, higher insurance costs, and potential difficulties in attracting employees or customers.
How to stay safer in Chicago?
Most businesses wait until something bad happens to take security seriously. That’s a mistake.
Security isn’t about reacting—it’s about preventing.
If you’re only addressing threats after they happen, you’re already losing. The rise in theft, vandalism, and violent crime across North America proves that old-school security measures aren’t enough anymore.
AI-powered Remote Video Monitoring detects intrusions, armed individuals, and even fire hazards in real-time, triggering immediate action. Trained security operators step in, intervene through on-site speakers, or alert authorities before the situation escalates. No more waiting.
If your business isn’t using 24/7 live monitoring, you’re leaving it vulnerable. The best security isn’t about fixing problems—it’s about stopping them before they start.
Conclusion.
Chicago’s safety isn’t a simple yes or no—it’s a city of contrasts. While some areas face crime challenges, overall trends show improvement, with homicides and shootings decreasing in 2024.
Popular neighborhoods like The Loop, River North, and Lincoln Park remain well-patrolled and safe for residents and tourists alike.
The key to staying safe? Awareness. Like any major city, knowing where you’re going and taking basic precautions makes a difference.
So, is Chicago safe? The answer depends on where you are, but with the right knowledge, Chicago remains a thriving and secure place to live, work, and explore.
Contact us today for a customized security solution in Chicago for your business.
