When you’re planning to relocate to Chicago, finding a home in a good neighborhood is paramount. Nowadays, the city is considered a safe place to live. However, crime rates are way above the national average in certain areas. Generally, the west and north parts of Chicago are safe to live in, but you can also find tranquil neighborhoods in the central and south sides, which are notorious for their higher crime rates.
The table below shows a quick list of statistics for the safest neighborhoods in Chicago:
| Neighborhood | Population | Livability score | Avg. rent prices/month | Owner-occupied housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Greenwood | 18,628 | 90 | $1,710 | 85.8% |
| Forest Glen | 19,596 | 90 | $3,150 | 90.5% |
| Norwood Park | 38,303 | 88 | $1,800 | 74.6% |
| Edison Park | 11,525 | 87 | $1,848 | 80.1% |
| O’Hare | 13,418 | 87 | $1,800 | 40.3% |
| Beverly | 20,027 | 86 | $1,850 | 82.8% |
| Lincoln Park | 70,492 | 83 | $3,375 | 44.7% |
| Jefferson Park | 26,216 | 82 | $2,125 | 65.7% |
| North Center | 35,114 | 79 | $2,160 | 59.0% |
| Garfield Ridge | 35,439 | 78 | $1,600 | 83.0% |
| Dunning | 43,147 | 78 | $2,100 | 77.3% |
| North Park | 17,559 | 78 | $1,400 | 49.0% |
| West Town | 87,781 | 75 | $2,750 | 40.5% |
| Clearing | 24,473 | 75 | $2,300 | 67.9% |
| Lakeview | 103,050 | 74 | $2,700 | 38.2% |
| Lincoln Square | 40,494 | 74 | $1,833 | 39.4% |
| Edgewater | 56,296 | 73 | $2,313 | 37.1% |
| Portage Park | 63,020 | 72 | $1,760 | 60.6% |
| Irving Park | 51,940 | 71 | $1,900 | 48.9% |
| Montclare | 14,401 | 71 | $1,500 | 66.0% |
| West Ridge | 77,122 | 70 | $1,800 | 47.6% |
| West Elsdon | 18,394 | 66 | $1,500 | 73.9% |
| West Lawn | 33,662 | 65 | $1,335 | 71.1% |
Note: The areas are ranked from the highest to the lowest based on livability scores. The scores above are calculated based on several factors, including crime rates, amenities, cost of living, employment, housing, schools, and resident ratings for each area. Data was sourced from Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and Chicago Data Portal and is correct as of March 2022.
Topics
1. Mount Greenwood
- Safety score: 48% above national average
- Best for: Families
Nestled in the southwestern side of Chicago, Mount Greenwood is home to Saint Xavier University and a hub for shops, eateries, and small businesses.
The area has a very low crime rate compared to the neighboring districts, with an estimate of 123.9 total crimes per 10,000 people. This is about 48% lower than the national average and almost 70% lower than the average crime rate in Chicago.
The small community is perfect for families looking to relocate. Almost 68% of households are families, and most residents own their homes.
Rent-occupied accommodations make up 14.2%, which means that you might struggle to find available housing. However, the average rent price is more affordable compared to other safe districts.
The vast majority of residents work in public administration, education, and healthcare, and the median income of residents is $102,256. Unemployment rates in the area are 4.1%.
2. Forest Glen
- Safety score: 52% above national average
- Best for: Families, retirees
Located on the city’s northwest side, Forest Glen is safer than Mount Greenwood, but the high cost of living and poor housing availability make it rank lower on the livability scale.
That said, both neighborhoods, together with Edison Park and North Park, have very low violent crime rates.
Like Mount Greenwood, Forest Glen is an excellent area for families. Over 52% of households are families, and over 90% of residents own their homes. You can still find homes to rent, but the prices are high – most likely due to the low availability and high demand.
The median income of residents in Forest Glen is slightly higher than Mount Greenwood’s: $123,856. Almost 97% of the labor force living in the area is employed, with most residents working in healthcare or education.
In addition to being a wealthy community, the area is also rich in amenities and quality schools.
3. Norwood Park
- Safety score: 53% above national average
- Best for: Families, retirees
Norwood Park may not be renowned for its schools, but the thriving community is an excellent choice for families with kids of all ages.
This district located in northwest Chicago offers much more affordable housing compared to Forest Green. Over 64% of households are families, and the employment rate exceeds 96%. With a higher percentage of residents renting their homes, the probability of finding housing in the area is also high.
As far as the community is concerned, the district brags with lots of amenities, including eateries, entertainment venues, healthcare centers, and supermarkets. The median income in the area is $83,985, and most residents work in public administration and education.
4. Edison Park
- Safety score: 61% above national average
- Best for: Families
One of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago for families, Edison Park, has it all. Here, you can find top schools, lots of amenities, good employment opportunities, very low crime rates, and a thriving community. What you may struggle to find is a home, considering that 94.4% of housing units in the area are occupied.
Over 80% of residents own their homes, but rent prices are still decent considering how sought-after this community is.
Wealth-wise, Edison Park competes with Mount Greenwood. The median income is $105,233, and 98.4% of the labor force living in the area is employed. Similar to Mount Greenwood and Norwood Park, most people here work in public administration and education. Crime rates are 61% lower than the national average.
5. O’Hare
- Safety score: 48% above national average
- Best for: Professionals, commuters
Primarily occupied by its namesake airport, O’Hare is not the quietest neighborhood in Chicago, but it is one of the safest. Crime rates are 48% lower than the national average, and the community is almost evenly split between families and non-family households (55.3% and 44.7%, respectively).
This vibrant district is home to numerous hotels, fashion outlets, and entertainment centers. The Rosemont Theater hosts numerous events, while the nearby woods are an attraction for kids and outdoors enthusiasts.
The median income is lower compared to the other top-five districts ($53,509), but this isn’t necessarily bad news. In fact, it means that you can find more affordable housing. Lower-income aside, 94.3% of residents aged 16 years and older are employed, the vast majority working in healthcare, retail, accommodation, and food service.
6. Beverly
- Safety score: 26% above national average
- Best for: Families, singles, professionals
Defined by its Irish heritage, Beverly oozes suburban vibes in an urban setting. It is the perfect place for those who want to live in a quaint neighborhood located at a stone’s throw from the vibrant Loop district.
Officially named Beverly Hills, this is a top area for families with older kids, retirees, but also singles, professionals, and commuters. Schools aren’t all that great, but the neighborhood is rich in culture and amenities.
It is also safe, with violent crime rates that are 37% below the national average and 33% less total crime compared to the rest of Chicago.
Families constitute the vast majority of the community (69.5%), and 95.6% of residents aged 16 years or older are employed. Most residents work in education, followed by public administration and healthcare, with a median income of $98,636.
7. Lincoln Park
- Safety score: 12% above national average
- Best for: Singles, couples, young professionals
Lincoln Park is one of those neighborhoods in Chicago where all young professionals want to live. Located north of the Near North Side, it has everything from parks to museums, chic shopping centers, and well-maintained residential areas.
In addition to being one of the trendiest, Lincoln Park is also one of the richest districts in Chicago. The median income is $115,389, and most households (63.3%) are non-families.
The only thing less idyllic is the housing situation. While there are plenty of vacant housing units, the median rent for a 3-bed apartment is almost $3,400. One-bad apartments are cheaper but still expensive by Chicago standards – about $1,780 per month.
About 55.3% of residents in the area rent their place, and 43.4% are between 20 and 34 years old. Close to The Loop, Lincoln Park is also perfect for commuters. Most residents are professionals working in various sectors, including retail and finance.
8. Jefferson Park
- Safety score: 35% above national average
- Best for: Families
Close to the highway and linked to the downtown, Jefferson Park attracts residents of all ages. The neighborhood has numerous parks, schools, churches, and restaurants. There are also some cool bars for those who want to unwind at the end of a full week or day.
The district isn’t as rich as Lincoln Park, but it has more affordable housing. That doesn’t mean housing is cheap. If you plan to move to the area, expect to pay around $2,100 for a 3-bed apartment. This is cheap compared to Lincoln Park but expensive, considering the median income of only $76,694.
That said, most Jefferson Park residents own their homes, and 95% are employed, working in healthcare, retail, education, and manufacturing.
Another advantage Jefferson Park has over Lincoln Park is a lower crime rate. Both districts have low rates of violent crime, but property crime is more frequent in Lincoln Park.
9. North Center
- Safety score: 27% above national average
- Best for: Families, singles, couples, professionals
Surrounded by young Lincoln Square, family-focused Roscoe Village, bustling Lakeview, and Old Irving, North Center is one of those hidden districts that everyone sees, but nobody knows it’s there. What you should know is that residents don’t mind this relative anonymity and have built a strong community that welcomes new residents from all walks of life.
The district gives off an urban feel mixed with small-town vibes. People living in the same block generally know each other and come together to plan events or support other community members.
North Center also has a good balance between family and non-family households: 57.5% and 42.5%, respectively.
Housing is more expensive than Jefferson Park, but the median income is also higher, at $125,033. With 11.6% unoccupied housing units and 41% of residents renting their homes, finding a suitable place to live in North Center is fairly easy.
10. Garfield Ridge
- Safety score: 10% above national average
- Best for: Families, commuters, retirees
Home to Chicago Midway International Airport, Garfield Ridge is a quiet neighborhood in the far southwest side of the city.
With a significant first responder and senior population, the district feels like the suburbs and has very low crime rates compared to the districts flanking it to the east. And despite the senior population, this neighborhood is more than kid-friendly with plenty of schools, a good teacher-to-student ratio, and numerous green areas.
The proximity of the airport also makes this district perfect for commuters. Residents brag with a median income of $74,962 and very low housing prices compared to other high-end districts in the city – a 3-bed flat costs $1,600 per month, on average.
Perhaps the only thing that could be improved is the employment rate, which is currently two times higher than the national average.
11. Dunning
- Safety score: 41%
- Best for: Families
Located on the northwest side at the edge of the city, Dunning is easy to define as one of the safest Chicago suburbs, despite not being a suburb in the true sense of the word. Yet, the district is so low-key that big city businesses like Starbucks don’t even know it’s there.
Not that Dunning needs a Starbucks. The tight community has everything it needs within easy reach, including large green areas, bustling life seven days a week, schools, and even cozy hotels where tourists can enjoy a Chicago holiday away from the chaotic city center.
The district is close to the main roads, so ideal for commuters. Yet, this neighborhood seems to attract mostly families.
The median age of the residents is 41, and 77.3% of residents own their homes. Employment-wise, most residents work in healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. The median income is $72,272, and the unemployment rate is 3.4%.
In addition to being a thriving community, Dunning also has low crime rates – 41% lower than the national average.
12. North Park
- Safety score: 10% above national average
- Best for: Families, students, expats
Are you looking for the most affordable safe neighborhood in Chicago? North Park is undeniably it. The median rent for a 3-bed apartment is only $1,400 per month, way cheaper than other nearby areas.
Home to North Park University, North Park is also one of the most culturally-rich neighborhoods. US citizens and expats alike have come together to create an ethnically diverse yet strong community. Most foreign-born citizens come from Latin America, but also the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Families make up 65% of households, but only 49% of households are owner-occupied. This makes it relatively easy to find housing in the area, compared to other good districts in Chicago.
The median income is lower compared to other quiet neighborhoods ($56,287), but over 94% of residents aged 16 years and older are employed. Almost 16% of people in the area work in healthcare, followed by retail and education.
13. West Town
- Safety score: 17% above national average
- Best for: Young professionals, LGBTQ+, expats
Sprawling from River North to Humboldt Park and west of West Loop, the West Town district stretches over a wide area that brags with a culturally-rich community – most of which is made up of professionals and young families.
With a median income of $104,639 and housing prices averaging at about $2,750 for a 3-bed apartment, West Town isn’t the best district for new residents on a budget. However, you can find cheaper accommodation in the area.
As we mentioned, the community is culturally-rich. The West Town area caters to young professionals and students. Members of the LGBTQ+ community can find dedicated amenities in the Wicker Park area, while foreign nationals are more than welcome in the Ukrainian Village.
Compared to other districts, West Town has slightly higher property crime rates, with residents complaining about vehicle theft. However, the overall crime rates are low, and the neighborhood is generally considered safe.
14. Clearing
- Safety score: 42% above national average
- Best for: Commuters, families
Located on the south side of Garfield Ridge, Clearing is home to half of Chicago Midway International Airport and a hub for workers looking for housing in the city.
The median income is lower in Clearing compared to Garfield Ridge. However, the low rate of vacant housing units and the increased demand in the area make housing options expensive. You can expect to pay around $2,300 per month for a 3-bed apartment.
That said, living here is affordable if you own a home or plan to buy – single-family homes sell for a fraction of the price of north side homes.
The neighborhood has great restaurants and bakeries, a lively community, decent schools, and a watch group that has kept the area safe since 1996.
15. Lakeview
- Safety score: 10% above national average
- Best for: Singles, young professionals
Singles, couples, and young professionals looking for a safe neighborhood in Chicago might find everything they need in Lakeview.
Families make up only 31% of the district’s community, and the area is rich in amenities that cater to young professionals who want to have fun. In addition to lots of restaurants and bars, the area also offers quick access to Lincoln Park and the waterfront.
Like Lincoln Park, Lakeview is a rich neighborhood – although more affordable. The median income is $92,779, and the average rent for a 3-bed apartment is only $2,700, $675 cheaper than Lincoln Park. As you’d expect from a young community, most residents rent their homes, and only 38.2% own them.
Employment-wise, Lakeview has a low unemployment rate (2.8%), with most residents working in the financial district of The Loop, healthcare, education, or accommodation and food service.
16. Lincoln Square
- Safety score: 15% above national average
- Best for: Families, professionals
Nestled between North Park to the west and Edgewater to the east, Lincoln Square is the perfect neighborhood for young families and professionals. The ratio between family and non-family households is 49.5% to 50.5%, respectively.
Cheaper than Edgewater but more expensive than North Park, Lincoln Square has a lively middle-class community. The median income in the area is $81,149, and 95.6% of residents are employed.
A good amount of vacant housing units and 60.6% of renter-occupied households make Lincoln Square a good choice for people looking to relocate.
Crime rates in the neighborhood are low, and the area brags with numerous Bavarian-style bakeries, hip cocktail bars, and trendy restaurants that draw young, fashionable crowds.
17. Edgewater
- Safety score: 11% above national average
- Best for: LGBTQ+, expats
Like Lincoln Square, Edgewater exudes young vibes and brags with an inclusive community that welcomes people who express gender and sexuality in different ways, but also expats, singles, and young professionals.
The crime rate in the area is 11% below the national average, most offenses including theft and non-violent hate crime.
Wondering what this neighborhood can offer? Aside from good housing, you can expect a rich cultural scene that includes almost two dozen theaters, ethnic restaurants, green spaces, and a lively beach on the shore of Lake Michigan. LGBTQ+ amenities include dedicated healthcare centers and entertainment venues.
Non-family households make up for 63.9% of the household types in the district, and almost 36% of residents are foreign-born.
18. Portage Park
- Safety score: 6% above national average
- Best for: Families
Named for its picturesque park, Portage Park is packed with classic Chicago-style bungalows that give off a quaint vibe.
Home to Rickover Naval Academy, the district has good schools, lots of shops, eateries, bakeries, quiet cafes, and many cultural amenities. Almost 70% of residents in the area are young families, most of which own their homes.
Renters still make up 39.4% of residents, and the neighborhood has a good rate of vacant – and affordable – housing units.
Crime rates in the area are slightly higher compared to other neighborhoods, but most reports refer to petty crime rather than violence or serious offenses. Overall, the airy district is a good place for raising kids.
Unemployment rates in the area are slightly higher than the national average, but the median income is $70,559. Most residents work in healthcare, retail, accommodation, and food service, mainly in the neighboring districts or The Loop.
19. Irving Park
- Safety score: 3% above national average
- Best for: Families, commuters, Hispanics
East from Portage Park, Irving Park is an inclusive neighborhood ideal for commuters (the I-90 interstate splits it in two), US-born nationals, and people with Hispanic heritage.
Crime rates are lower than Chicago’s and the national average, and the community is well balanced, made up of 42.8% Caucasians and 41.9% Hispanics.
With a median age of residents around 36 years old and affordable housing options, Irving Park is a good choice for young families. Singles and couples are also welcome in the community, considering that 40% of households are non-families. However, the neighborhood is more quiet than vibrant, so more suitable for raising kids.
The middle-class community has a median income of $66,878 and a low unemployment rate of 3.8%. Residents work in top-industry sectors like healthcare, accommodation, food service, and office workers.
20. Montclare
- Safety score: 27% above national average
- Best for: Hispanics
Located on the northwest side of the city, Montclare is the safest neighborhood in Chicago for Hispanics and people with Latino heritage. Over 59% of residents are Hispanics, and Spanish is the first spoken language in the district, followed by English.
Ideal for raising kids, Montclare has a community that values family. Almost 72% of households are families, and many people live on the same block with other relatives.
More of a suburb than a city district, Montclare doesn’t have as many shopping options, restaurants, and lively bars as neighboring districts. However, it has good schools, lots of playgrounds, parks, as well as good transportation links.
The median income in the area corresponds to a low-middle class, but most residents are employed, and crime rates are low. Throw in affordable housing, and Montclare has all the qualities needed to be considered a great neighborhood.
21. West Ridge
- Safety score: 16% above national average
- Best for: Afro-Americans
Culturally diverse West Ridge is one of the safest black neighborhoods in Chicago. Hispanics and Asians are also well-represented, as well as the white community.
It is this diversity that makes the neighborhood safe. All cultures and races in this district come together to create a safe environment for themselves and their kids. No matter your ethnicity, rest assured you’ll be welcomed in this district.
The only downside to this neighborhood is the rising cost of housing. Rented homes make up 52.4% of occupied housing units, and the median income is similar to Montclare’s – $53,877. However, most residents are employed, the majority working in healthcare, retail, accommodation, and food service.
Petty crime makes up most of the crime reports in the area. While there are some gangs, the neighborhood is relatively chill and a good place to live if you don’t like the downtown hustle and bustle.
22. West Elsdon
- Safety score: 15% above national average
- Best for: Hispanic families
West Elsdon is one of Chicago’s districts established by European immigrants. However, the neighborhood lost most of its Polish heritage and now has a thriving Hispanic community.
Families make up for 75.9% of households, and Spanish is the first spoken language in the area – 74.5% of residents speak it. This doesn’t come as a surprise, considering that over 80% of residents are Hispanic.
The middle-class community has a median income of $60,836; most residents living in the area own their homes. However, unemployment rates are high in West Elsdon (11.3%), which explains the higher incidence of property crime compared to neighboring districts. The rate of violent crime is low, though, and the neighborhood is safe for families with children.
West Elsdon has a good range of public schools, shopping centers, restaurants, and green areas.
23. West Lawn
- Safety score: 19% above national average
- Best for: Families, professionals
Located on the southwest side of the city, West Lawn neighbors Chicago Lawn. Despite its neighboring area, West Lawn has managed to maintain its safe district status.
Crime rates are 19% lower than the national average and around 21% lower than the rest of Chicago. Like West Elsdon, West Lawn has a predominantly family-focused Hispanic community, making up over 74% of households.
Unemployment rates are similar to those in West Elsdon, but the median income is lower compared to the neighboring district. However, housing in the area is affordable, and most residents own their homes. If you’re considering the area for relocating, you can expect to pay around $1,335 per month, on average.
Not only is West Lawn safe, but the neighborhood has numerous walking areas, parks, and good links to the rest of the city. A good option for living in Chicago without breaking the bank.