Is Chicago Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Chicago

Despite what the US news says, Chicago is fairly safe. I walk alone at night and take public transit alone frequently and I’ve never had a problem. There are occasionally creepy men on transit, but women will typically watch out for each other. The one thing to watch out for is that transient individuals use transit as a place to stay warm and sleep. They’re mostly harmless, but some have substance use and/or mental health issues and can be unpredictable. If you’re riding the L (elevated train/subway system) choose the car at the front, where the conductor is, when possible. You’re less likely to have any odd encounters there. That said, no place is 100% safe as a solo woman. Always be aware of your surroundings. Have your phone charged. Carry your keys in your hand. Look like you know where you’re going (even if you don’t). If I’m ever unsure about the people around me I keep an angry look on my face at night so that no one will mess with me. 🤣

Chicago is, in many parts, incredibly safe. If you’re downtown in all the busy areas, you’re safe. I don’t often take public transport but have heard that’s the one place most people do feel unsafe here. The only places I have ever felt unsafe in the city were further out away from the busy parts.

Chicago is a large and beautifully diverse city with so much to offer! With big cities comes general crime, however most places you will go you will be perfectly safe, as always when in bigger cities just be aware of your surroundings. If you’re a young woman or person and are feeling anxious about visiting, having some reasonable form of self defense can be helpful in reassuring that anxiety.

Chicago is an interesting mix of several different uniquely designated neighborhoods, with each neigborhood holding a different level of safety and risk. Generally speaking, the city is safe with exception to few specific areas. As with anywhere, maintaining awareness of your surroundings will mitigate most dangers.

Moderately safe, be aware of your surroundings and stick to the Red, Brown, and Blue line on the CTA. Favorite Neighborhoods: West Loop/Fulton Market Wicker Park River North Lakeview/Lincoln Park Roscoe Village Lincoln Square Logan Square

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.