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
2.5 /5

Women living in Chicago consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 2.5 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 48 experiences

Safety rating:

3.5/5Safe

Safety walking alone after dark:

3.1/5Moderate

Safety using public transport:

3.6/5Safe

Crime rate:

2.5/5Low

Worries of being sexually harassed:

2.1/5A bit worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

1.7/5A bit worried

Worries of being physically attacked:

1.8/5A bit worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

1.5/5A bit worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

1.9/5A bit worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1.4/5Not at all worried

How safe is Chicago?

Leann

Leann

In most neighborhoods, Chicago is very safe. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t walk with headphones after dark. If taking the train (CTA) after dark, sit in the car with the operator. Have fun!!

Posted: July 26, 2025
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Clara

Clara

I just got here so, I’m discovering so far. I will say that it is okay but don’t go out at night alone and be with some people with you. It is a nice city but always stay on your feet. It is really getting better over the years and there is so many stuff to do in here.

Posted: July 26, 2025
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Cynthia

Cynthia

Hermosa Neighborhood is surrounded by schools and yet has an active night life. It is the inner city of Chicago and one always has to keep an eye. That being said I love my neighborhood and what we offer!

Posted: July 21, 2025
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April

April

Avoid public transportation at night unless u got a really big heart especially pink line. Anything more south than China town is a no go unless u got local friends who can go with you, and ideally have a car

Posted: July 17, 2025
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I’m not in the city yet, so I don’t really have an opinion on that. But as a solo female traveler, I’d be a bit worried if I had to take an Uber home after dinner instead of using public transport, especially if I’m out with my friends.

Posted: June 2, 2025
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Chicago is a highly segregated city with some neighborhoods being extremely safe and others more volatile. Having said that, the common stereotypes about South Side being unsafe are completely false. I've lived most of my US-life in the South Side and any groping/harassment I experienced was in downtown where I went to school. Stay alert on the streets (no texting), and walk confidently when you're alone. Like you know the city

Posted: April 20, 2025
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Is Chicago worth visiting?

Travel rating

4.2 /5

based on 15 experiences from female travelers

Solo travel

Felt super safe! Great city! Loved the Bean, Navy Pier and getting to experience the city from a locals perspective. I cannot wait until I get to come back! Thank you so much for having me and welcoming me to your country/city!!!!

Posted: July 8, 2025
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Solo travel

Nice city! Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza is 10 times better than Giordano’s. Most of the times it’s cheaper to by souvenir (or anything else) at target or CVS. River cruise is a must and online you can find better deals. Once you are done with the city center, west town and especially Milwaukee avenue is nice with a lot of second hand shops and cool cafes: a neighborhood with hippy vibes.

Posted: May 7, 2025
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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 moderate, with an overall crime rating of 2.5 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 2.1 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 1.7 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 relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.5 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 1.9 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 1.4 out of 5