Is it okay to walk in Lower West Side, Chicago?

Crime reported to the police, Sep 2025 – Aug 2026

Moderate for Chicago

Reported crime around the center of Lower West Side is higher than in 67% of areas in Chicago, taking into account how many people are usually around. 519 incidents were reported here in these 12 months.

“Here” is the area of about 0.7 km² (0.3 square miles) around the center of Lower West Side.

See Lower West Side on the map

The map shows every block, by day and at night, and gives walking directions that avoid high-crime areas.

By kind of crime

Kind	Level	Compared with the rest of Chicago
ViolentHomicide, sexual assault, robbery, assault, kidnapping	Low	higher than in 65% of areas
PropertyBurglary, theft, shoplifting, vandalism, arson	Moderate	higher than in 72% of areas
VehicleCar theft and break-ins	Moderate	higher than in 66% of areas
Weapons & drugsWeapons, drug and public-order offenses	Moderate	higher than in 71% of areas

Day and night

By day (6am–6pm): Moderate, higher than in 67% of areas.
At night (6pm–6am): Moderate, higher than in 67% of areas.

Most reports here are from 10am–11am.

What gets reported here

Simple assault: 151 (29%)
Theft: 119 (23%)
Vandalism: 49 (9%)
Vehicle theft: 49 (9%)
Burglary: 32 (6%)

Following the city-wide trend over the last 6 months.

Around Lower West Side

The areas right next to it range from low to moderate.

Pilsen Moderate
Illinois Medical District Moderate
Little Italy Low
McKinley Park Low
Bridgeport Low
Tri-Taylor Moderate
Chinatown Moderate
South Lawndale Moderate

How to read this

It shows crime reported to the police. Many crimes are never reported.
Levels compare areas within Chicago. The same level in another city does not mean the same.
It is not a prediction, and it says nothing about any person or building.
Please do not use it for decisions about housing, lending, insurance or employment.