Is Chicago Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Chicago

Safety rating

Safe
3.5 /5

Women living in Chicago consider the safety level to be relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Crime rating

Low
2.3 /5

Women living in Chicago consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 2.3 out of 5.

Violence rating

13.9%

On average 13.9% percentage of women in United States have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.

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Crime & Safety Statistics

Based on 35 experiences

Safety rating:

3.5/5Safe

Safety walking alone after dark:

3.1/5Moderate

Safety using public transport:

3.6/5Safe

Crime rate:

2.3/5Low

Worries of being sexually harassed:

2/5A Bit Worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

1.6/5A Bit Worried

Worries of being physically attacked:

1.8/5A Bit Worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

1.4/5Not at all worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

1.8/5A Bit Worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1.3/5Not at all worried

How safe is Chicago?

Arfa

Arfa

The downtown and south areas are more at risk of robbery and shooting. Suburbs are comparatively safer. Depending on the time of the year, it can vary. I have so far not seen or experienced car robberies or break-ins yet.

Posted: January 19, 2025
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Sugandhi

Sugandhi

Chicago is a fairly safe city for women. As long as you don't venture out in the known shady pockets, you're fine. Late night, make sure to be aware of your surroundings. Day time, tourist spots are just beautiful and safe.

Posted: January 17, 2025
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Chicago is a safe city in general terms but obviously like every other city, there are some places that are not very safe like the south side and some other places at night don’t feel very safe either

Posted: January 6, 2025
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Amanda

Amanda

Be aware of your surroundings, and adjust accordingly. Treat people as human beings and if you go about your business, others will just carry out their own day. With any big city, those who live here are focused on their destination but most are happy to help if you need to stop and ask for directions. I don’t overly show expensive items/cash etc but have lived in the city for a decade and generally felt safe. Listen to your gut intuition.

Posted: December 29, 2024
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It's like any other city where there are parts that are fine to walk around after dark and then there are neighborhoods to avoid. As long as you're smart and aware of your surrounding, you'll be fine

Posted: December 27, 2024
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Chicago feels safe but it is important to always stay vigilant and aware of surroundings. Most people will not bother you while out in public but will be receptive if you need directions. Don't cross streets while looking at your phone screen.

Posted: December 26, 2024
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Chicago is safe in the daytime when you are traveling with a group of people and are staying the the center of Chicago. If you are traveling to a suburb, make sure you know what it’s like because some suburbs can be really unsafe.

Posted: December 25, 2024
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Chicago is a mixed bag but overall safe if you stick to the right areas. Just keep north in Chicago and avoid the red line too late after dark (if you do have to use it go to the front near the conductors.).

Posted: December 20, 2024
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Chicago is safe but it depends on different neighborhoods as well as what time of the area you are traveling. It's okay to walk alone although with any other state , you always want to be careful of your belongings

Posted: December 14, 2024
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Chicago is relatively safe during the day. At night I’d stay in crowded areas and take the main roads with lights. Public transportation is pretty safe but I would try to avoid taking the train at night past 9. Try to travel with a buddy. The train is less safe than buses.

Posted: December 10, 2024
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Is Chicago worth visiting?

Travel rating

4.1 /5

based on 11 experiences from female travelers

Solo travel

I felt great in Chicago between the years. Perfect city to walk around, go up the towers and enjoy the views. And the Chinatown in Chicago was great. Especially the community center. I loved to go there and relax!

Posted: August 14, 2024Experienced: December, 2019
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Group travel

Did a quick weekend trip to Chicago with the girls for a bachelorette party. We had dinner at the Dearborn and Wakamono, both 5/5. We tried out The DISCO since it has 4 levels but it was pretty small and crowded so we ended up at Three Dots and A Dash and the vibe there was much more chill but fun! We mostly traveled by Uber but when we did walk around we felt safe.

Posted: May 14, 2024Experienced: May, 2024
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Meet locals in Chicago

Mariam

Mariam

About Me

Hi I’m Mariam Mak, I love to slow travel, I’m currently starting by Europe then the world. I am a Psychology student who loves reading, walks and films.

Speaking

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Christina

Christina

About Me

Hello! I am solo traveling out of the country for the first time and am very excited! If anyone is going to be there at the same time as me and would like to meet up, message me!

Speaking

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Safety in United States

Frequently asked questions

Is Chicago safe?

Women living in Chicago consider the safety level to be relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Is Chicago safe to walk alone at night?

Women living in Chicago consider walking alone at night to be moderately safe, with an overall safety rating of 3.1 out of 5.

Is public transport safe in Chicago?

Women living in Chicago consider public transport to be relatively safe, with an overall safety rating of 3.6 out of 5.

What is the crime rate in Chicago?

Women living in Chicago consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 2.3 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Chicago?

Women living in Chicago consider the risk of being sexually harassed to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 2 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Chicago?

Women living in Chicago consider the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.6 out of 5.

What is the risk of being physically attacked in Chicago?

Women living in Chicago consider the risk of being physically attacked to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.8 out of 5.

What is the risk of burglary in Chicago?

Women living in Chicago consider the risk of burglary to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1.4 out of 5

What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Chicago?

Women living in Chicago consider the risk of being mugged or robbed to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.8 out of 5.

What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Chicago?

Women living in Chicago consider the risk of being kidnapped or murdered to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1.3 out of 5