According to official data, the crime rate in Chicago in 2020 was 3,926 per 100,000 residents. More than twice as many crimes are committed per 100,000 Illinois residents as per 100,000 individuals nationally. Chicago’s high crime rate is mainly attributable to violent crimes like murder, sexual assault, and robbery rather than property crimes like burglary, arson, or car theft, which is why these crimes get so much more attention.
As a resident of Chicago, you have a 1 in 103 risks of being physically assaulted by a criminal. That’s twice the statewide rate, but just because you call Chicago home doesn’t put you in any more danger. Factors such as your economic status, where you live, and the circle of friends you keep might increase or decrease your vulnerability to violent crime.
There is a one in thirty-nine chance that you may become a victim of property crime in Chicago. Property crimes are more prevalent than violent crimes everywhere, but the difference between Chicago and the national average is minimal (52% versus 143%).
Your car has a 1 in 273 risks of being stolen in Chicago. It’s true that property crimes like these frequently occur in Chicago, but not quite as often as they do in other places. Regarding cities with a high rate of car theft, Richmond, California, is at the top of the list. We’ll be seeing Albuquerque and Oakland in quick succession. Simply put, Chicago is not in the top 20 global cities. In terms of auto insurance costs, that’s excellent news.
Both governmental corruption and pervasive poverty contribute to Chicago’s high crime rates. In reality, Chicago is safer than 9 per cent of U.S. cities, including several major ones, despite the widespread perception that it is a dangerous place with high crime rates. The New York Times ranks Chicago as having the seventh worst murder rate in the country, behind cities like St. Louis, New Orleans, and Baltimore. At the same time, Neighborhood Scout did not include the Windy City in its top 100 list of hazardous towns for 2022.
Motor vehicle thefts are at the top of this list. Remember to keep an eye on your vehicle, lock it at all times, and never leave anything of value inside it when you park it outside. The police have formed a particular task group to address the rising number of thefts. Theft, with an annual rate of almost 566 per 100,000 residents, is Chicago’s second most common property crime. Always be mindful of your belongings’ security; never abandon money or other valuables in an unsecured location. The highest crime rates can be reduced if people living in the riskiest regions adopt home security systems.
Rates of violent crime in Chicago
- Chicago has a higher crime rate than its close counterparts. This rate is also four times the national average murder rate. Nearly 21% of every 100,000 persons each year are shot.
- The annual death toll stands at 21 per 100,000. Take precautions and pay close attention, especially when walking alone at night.
- A total of 259 thefts occur for every 100,000 persons every year. Carrying more cash than you need for the day, or even the next day or two, is not a good idea. Always double-check your pockets before you leave a building or the house. Finally, it’s crucial to avoid flashing your cash until essential.
- 566 attacks per 100,000 people per year are the annual average. It’s not a good idea to wander the streets late at night, thus relying on a cab service is a must.
- The annual rape rate is 67 per 100,000 people. Therefore, you shouldn’t go out wandering around by yourself. Never walk home alone after dark without calling a taxi first.
- Property crimes are also common, with 4,122 reported each year. If you must venture out at night, do so with extreme caution and heightened awareness. Make sure to maintain a watchful eye on your belongings at all times while you’re away from home. Keep your belongings out where you can see them. Safeguard your belongings by depositing them in a bank safety deposit box or locking them in a hotel safe before you travel to Chicago.
Where in Chicago could I feel most secure?
We’ve been looking at citywide averages up until now, but Chicago is a massive metropolis with a wide variety of neighborhoods. Some areas in Chicago distinguish out as being more secure than others. Chicago’s most criminally active areas are on the opposite spectrum. These areas have some of the highest poverty, unemployment, and overcrowding rates in Chicago.
Neighborhood Incidents of criminality Families earning less than the poverty line The average cost of a house & Rank of difficulty
- West Garfield Park is 462% over the U.S. average. 41.7% $135,000 92
- Statistics show that East Garfield Park is 308% higher than the U.S. average. 42.4% $175,000 83
- Englewood is 276% more than the U.S. average 46.6% $60,000 94
- Fuller Park is 148% above average compared to the rest of the country. 51.2% $64,000 97
- Pullman’s West Surpassing the U.S. average by 13.7 percentage points 25.9% $135,000 62
